We all need help from time to time. Part of being a mature, responsible adult is knowing when you need it and when to ask for it. In order to do so, you need to know the best infromation that will help your specific business. There are so many marketing plans out there that have different aspects to them. If you aren't well versed in marketing, picking one out can be an issue.
So, if you are a professional or business owner and you need marketing help how do you go about asking for it? Here are four steps to you get started in the right direction.
1. Do Your Research
When you find yourself in a crunch and desperately need some help with your marketing communication plan, don’t make a rash decision. Picking the first marketing agency or professional that you meet is like accepting a date to the junior high formal with the first boy that asked you. Not a good idea.
To find the best match you need to research your options. Not every marketer is going to be an ideal partner for you and that is ok. There are so many experts out there because there are various specialties and areas of expertise. Look for someone that knows your industry, understands you business, and appreciates your audience.
2. Think About The Big Picture
Marketing is about more than just producing an ad or writing a few company blog posts. It is a variety of things that are combined into one strategic enterprise. Just because you need help with your marketing strategy does not mean that you can’t think like a marketer. The more information you can provide, the better your marketing partner can help you execute. Let them know all the things you aspire to have—videos, blogs, tradeshow booths—and what needs you are trying to meet. Not every idea will make the cut, but providing an overall picture of what you hope to achieve will help shape the development of your marketing plan and ensure success.
3. Spend Money To Make Money
For some strange reason, marketing is often a “last-minute” component of small-to-medium sized businesses. This means, when it comes time put a plan in place, there isn’t any money left in the budget to make something happen. And, although there are some great free tricks you can implement, marketing itself is not free. In order for your marketing strategy to be a substantial part of your overall business plan, you must start with the budget. You cannot seek out marketing help without having any money to pay for it with.
Forgot to budget properly but still need marketing help? Don’t worry, all is not lost. Marketers typically offer a myriad of packages at various rates. You can probably obtain some basic help to get you going and then collaborate on a full-fledged plan the next year when you have an appropriate budget in place.
4. Be Realistic
If your company has never had any formal marketing or marcom in place, you must start at the beginning. When embarking on a new endeavor, it is important to be realistic about your goals and expectations. You are not going to see a huge ROI overnight. In the Internet age many things can be completed quickly, but it takes time to develop and execute a competent marketing strategy and to see the results of that plan. So, when asking for help, be professional and realistic.
If you need help with marketing, don’t stress or hesitate. Help is out there. With a little research and planning you can find the perfect partner to help boost your bottom line.
And, of course, we are here to help! This free guide will help you decide if you need an in-house pro or an agency expert.
