Sunday, June 1, 2008

How Ready Are You For A Marketing Consultant?

Take the test. Yes or No

  1. I know my 'exact' target audience?
  2. I have a marketing budget for planning?
  3. I have a marketing budget for creative, production, and placement?
  4. I know what stage of growth my company is in?
  5. I understand my marketing mix?
  6. I have established the right price point?
  7. I have supporting marketing initiatives to help with advertising goals?
  8. I have research to support my decisions?
  9. I have someone to implement and enforce marketing ideas internally?
  10. I have a system in place to evaluate my marketing initiatives?
If you answered 'No' to most of these questions, you may need to start with a marketing and business plan before calling a marketing consultant; however, if you think you could quickly put these factors in place, a marketing consultant can help with determining your market, budget, and overall plan. If your resources are limited, take each of these sections and find answers. You can send your questions to "Ask The Expert" at trisha@augmentgroup.com.

Marketing isn't an easy job as most of you know. It takes know how, validation, measurement, and just plain hard work. Chances are if you're an entrepreneur, you understand elbow grease. If you don't, marketing is a hands-on job - it's not mysterious or magical. Understanding that will not only help you initiate marketing efforts but will also help you better understand the marketing consultant you hire.

Tell us about your experience with a marketing consultant? We want to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly. It helps all marketing consultants better when they understand their strengths and weaknesses.

[Trisha Ahlman is the CEO of Augment Marketing Group and has over 15 years experience in marketing for corporations and small businesses. She sits on several creative and strategic development boards nationwide. "Inspired by growth" from its inception, Augments mission is to inspire growth in all businesses large or small when developing strong brands. We believe in inspiring, learning and growing. She can be reached at trisha@augmentgroup.com]