DRS does marketing, differently
“What have we been getting for our money?” “How long should we keep this relationship going?”
I’ve been doing this for over 20 years. I’ve seen it all. From great marketing to not-so-great marketing. From strong partnerships between marketers and the people who hire them to weak ones. So I decided to do things differently.
I offer defined modules as opposed to vague, never-ending consulting retainers. Yes, I still assess, develop and execute comprehensive marketing programs for clients, but I do it through defined programs and timelines. This means my clients know what they’re getting and what the short-, mid- and long-term expectations are.
The DRS modules range from the two-month foundations program to the 12-month transformation. Though nothing is carved in stone; if things change and more (or less) time is desired by the client, we mutually switch it up.
Originally, I started DRS Marketing (2008) after working at two very large ad agencies and seeing an opportunity to offer a more compact experience to companies that couldn’t afford a more traditional agency or didn’t have the budget or workload for a fulltime, senior marketing professional.
I would put together the resources as needed rather than carry a staff whose cost I would have to pass onto the client. As my friend, John, once said, it was an “Avengers assemble!” kind of thing.
Now, they call that setup fractional. Which by definition means part-time. I don’t agree with that. I think fractional should be viewed as limited-time. If the work being done is successful, the need should arise for fulltime leadership. If the work isn’t successful, the relationship should end.
My modules also ensure that clients pay for what they need and get what they pay for. Not sure where you are (as it relates to your audience and your competition) or how you got there? That’s the assessment module. Do you have a good idea of who your target audience is but you haven’t been able to connect with them? Let’s use the development module to create a stronger position and direction for your efforts.
Every module comes with a defined set of deliverables and, as the program develops, clients get more than a weekly (or monthly report) review of what has already happened. They get actionable insights we can use moving forward.
I never put potential clients through the super sale process. I don’t promise you 17X traffic or a dozillion fold increase in hot leads. Sidebar- how the heck can marketing people who make these promises do so without even a peek under the hood? I do promise that we will get to the bottom of what your business needs and the best way to put the right messaging in front of the right people in a consistent manner.
Marketing is about connection not continuous activity. Marketing requires direction and a plan. Stop wasting time on periodic marketing tactics and invest in a strategic marketing program.