| As an entrepreneur, there will likely come a time that | | | | constantly or you feel does not belong with your |
| you feel the need to hire a small business marketing | | | | company. |
| consultant to help with marketing an growing your | | | | Furthermore, make sure that the person you are |
| business. There are many reputable agencies that | | | | planning to work with has no issues with your |
| offer consultant services; the key is finding the right | | | | company. This is rarely a problem but some small |
| agency for you. | | | | businesses might not fit well with a certain marketer |
| Here are some tips on how to choose a marketing | | | | for whatever personal reason. It is important to |
| consultant for your small business. | | | | make sure you are getting a good vibe from the |
| Questions to Ask | | | | marketing consultant and that he or she feels |
| There are several questions that you definitely want | | | | comfortable as potential marketer for your business. |
| to ask any prospective marketing consultant - and | | | | This can be accomplished with focused questions and |
| some that you definitely want to avoid. Let's take a | | | | in-person interviews before hiring. This is especially |
| look at the things that you should ask when you first | | | | important if you work in a business that is |
| begin discussions with various marketing firms. | | | | controversial. |
| References | | | | What Not to Ask For |
| Just as you would any other service provider or | | | | So you know what to ask when choosing your new |
| employee, you need to find out what sort of | | | | marketing consultant. Make sure that he or she is a |
| references your marketing consultant has. Get a list | | | | good fit for you and your business, make sure that |
| of references and don't be afraid to use them. You | | | | you feel comfortable with this person and that she |
| are going to be spending a lot of time, and possibly a | | | | seems comfortable with you. Always check |
| lot of money, with your small business marketing | | | | references and ask for case studies. |
| consultant and you want to make sure that he or | | | | Now, for the things you should not ask. |
| she can do the job. Always ask for and check | | | | Samples of Marketing Plans |
| references. | | | | As I briefly mentioned earlier, you do not want to |
| Case Studies | | | | ask for an actual marketing plan that was used for |
| Though marketing consultants cannot release other | | | | someone else's business. If you do, a reputable |
| client's actual marketing plans, they can release case | | | | company will refuse because this is confidential. If |
| studies of work they have done. Most reputable | | | | they do not refuse and send you one anyway, then |
| marketing firms will have case studies on hand and | | | | you should immediately realize that your confidential |
| ready for viewing. Taking a look at these case | | | | information may be sent out next. You would |
| studies can help you to understand what sort of | | | | probably want to avoid this marketing consultant. |
| work this firm or individual consultant is capable of. | | | | A Media or Marketing Plan for Your Business Upon |
| This can help to give you an idea of how they might | | | | Interview |
| be able to help your company. Ask for case studies | | | | Though the small business marketing consultant will |
| that are similar to your needs, if possible. This is a | | | | most likely give you a run down on what she plans |
| great way to get a feel for the person you are | | | | to do for your business, she won't show up to an |
| hiring. | | | | interview with a plan ready to go. Any good |
| Personality Questions | | | | consultant will need to spend time with you, getting |
| Without being too brazen there definitely is some | | | | to know your business and doing a bit of research |
| room for personality questions. Use questions similar | | | | before she can customize a plan suitable for your |
| to those you would ask during an interview with a | | | | particular business. |
| potential employee. This is simply to see if you and | | | | Choosing a consultant can be a scary event, after all, |
| your potential marketer are a good fit. As I've | | | | the success of your business is at stake. But keeping |
| mentioned before, you are going to be spending | | | | these tips in mind should help you narrow down and |
| quite a bit of time together. You do not want to get | | | | eventually choose the right small business marketing |
| involved with someone who you will clash with | | | | consultant for you. |