What to expect from a good marketing consultant

Call us what you may; marketing consultants, advertising experts, internet strategist, business entrepreneurs, independent firms, advertising agencies, extended team players, business partners, etc.  If you’re a small or medium sized business, you have likely thought about, or already hired one!  There are a ton of benefits to hiring outside help.  Choose carefully to find a consultant that can provide valuable benefits to your business, long-term.

Consultants are not “Genies in a Bottle”

#1  Although some may claim to have magical powers, consultants do not have ESPN, (That was supposed to be funny.)  Consistent and clear communication is an absolute must!

#2  They can’t turn around your business without teamwork and clearly defined needs and restraints. 

#3  Remember, you are always the boss.  Your consultant is a team leader.   Without ‘top down’ support from you, there is no effective implementation of ideas and goals will not be met.

#4  Business owner/s must be on the same page.  (Ex:  Trust has to be mutual, and both sides have to be respectful of time, boundaries and expertise.)  

#5  Driving thousands of visitors to your website won’t fix your business if you have a product nobody wants, a low converting site, an offer that doesn’t make sense, key employees who are not vested, etc.  Try not to take it personal if your consultant provides constructive criticism… it could be the advice that changes your business for the better! 

Most Important to hire a consultant who…

#1  Represents you…they are a direct reflection of  your brand!  It’s critical to trust the ‘professionalism and ethics’ of your marketing consultant.  They will be handling confidential information that you won’t want shared with the general public, or with your competitors. 

#2  Is an expert…in 2-3 key areas that are most  important to you.  (No consultant is going to be an “expert” in everything, nor is any multi-million dollar agency who charges rates through the roof to cover operating expenses.) Shop around.  Ask for a referral!

#3  Has the ability to assess… your current marketing strategies, identify any problems or concerns and offer suitable solutions that fit within your resource limitations.

#4  Can provide fresh ideas and creative marketing strategies… that are tailored to your businesses goals, target audiences, give you an edge on competition, and can see ‘the big picture.’

#5  Works well with your key players…is able to handle problems that may arise during your marketing campaign quickly and efficiently, can collectively analyze data, and provide detailed campaign reports to benchmark goal progress.  

The Leaning Tree Marketing is a Milwaukee-based marketing strategist and consultant,  offering customized solutions since December, 2009.