Thursday, October 29, 2015

Marketing Decisions Can Be Scary - Spooked by the Decision?

The decision to hiring a marketing partner has never been simple. But in today's supercharged marketing world, it can be downright scary. You want to make a "safe" choice and be sure it feels right before making a commitment (and writing that first check).

The decision to move forward is always based on rational and emotional reasons, but there can be trepidation:

*Fear of being disappointed. What if the company you hire doesn't fulfill its promise? What if I end up with a poor product or program that doesn't deliver results? It's my butt on the line.

*Budget anxieties. The fear of paying too much. Is this what we really need to spend? Can I find a better deal and obtain greater value?

*Image concerns. The fear of what other people will think is the biggest one. The decision has the potential to affect your reputation.

Looking for the perfect solution is often riddled with unrealistic expectations. Please keep in mind that companies are made up of people, none of whom are perfect. Making the "best" choice comes down to being able to achieve the right balance of capabilities and chemistry.

Indecision is sure to get you nowhere. It almost certainly guarantees you'll lose valuable time that you can't get back.

Ultimately, the decision is a leap of faith.

Here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:

*Have agreed-upon milestones, metrics and a cancellation clause if the goals are not met within a specific time frame. This can be reassuring for your team.

*Explore options at difference budget levels so you can see the differences and where the value lies.

*Seek client testimonials. Public quotes can serve as social proof and demonstrate their track record.

*Leverage third-party expertise. Search consultants (like Smarti) are always in the market - and will know options out there that you are not aware of that may be better suited for your situation.

All of this can lead to peace of mind.

So yes, the commitment to engage external marketing services can be a little scary. But if you do the due diligence, it doesn't have to be.

The leap can lead to an exciting new partnership and opportunity for success.

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