Through thick and thin, the majority of our core business
has come via referral – a natural byproduct of work well done. However, SWJ President, Wendy j., once
remarked on how working in our industry is like being on an endless job interview. It is true that
sometimes there is a sense of having to prove oneself, despite repeated
demonstrations of ability! So, like other firms, we have been known to compete
for business. Enter the world of RFQs
and proposals – oftentimes a dark-skied place of fuzzy lines, fiery hoops and
highway robbers!
Sound less than appealing? Well, truth be told, very few of the current RFQs
that cross our path are properly written and administered – we are becoming
increasingly wary and discriminating of any RFQ/RFP offers. Typically what unfolds
is an unrealistic list of demands, at times even including the supply of our
recommended strategy and creative solutions – all this without payment, and within
short timelines. Some false assumptions
are at play here: a) we work for free,
even though no one else does, and b) we are willing to compromise professional
standards and ethics for the almighty dollar.
People pay us for our strategy and for our creative
ideas, that’s our bread and butter!
Consider if you needed life-saving surgery, would you ask the surgeon to
do a demo for you before you committed to the procedure? What about a meal in an established
restaurant known for its signature salad – would you demand the recipe? How about electrical services – would you try
and dicker with the red seal professional about his approach? If so, you are NOT our potential client. As a very basic first step, there needs to be
a climate of trust and respect before we agree to move forward with any new
client.
Maybe you’ve been “burnt” before? We agree that our field has become over-run with posers and talkers. In one month alone we had three clients come to us, all of whom had been underwhelmed by the same web firm. They had each spent thousands and did not yet have what they were promised – like them, we were rather astounded! Obviously the web firm had a very effective salesperson, and a sketchy implementation process. As such, we recommend that you do your homework – ask about relevant work samples, ensure that you are clear about your budget and expectations, and don’t fall prey to the “friend-of-a friend” mentality. The bottom line is you need capability, integrity and results.
Maybe you’ve been “burnt” before? We agree that our field has become over-run with posers and talkers. In one month alone we had three clients come to us, all of whom had been underwhelmed by the same web firm. They had each spent thousands and did not yet have what they were promised – like them, we were rather astounded! Obviously the web firm had a very effective salesperson, and a sketchy implementation process. As such, we recommend that you do your homework – ask about relevant work samples, ensure that you are clear about your budget and expectations, and don’t fall prey to the “friend-of-a friend” mentality. The bottom line is you need capability, integrity and results.
Want to work with us?
We are friendly, good-natured people with extraordinary passion and
purpose in our chosen field: strategic marketing
and advertising. We will work alongside
you and your team within your defined budgets and timelines to help you achieve
your personal and business goals. We can
also guide you through a strategic process to define goals and priorities
and/or refine existing goals. Most of all, our solutions are timely and
effective – and we can demonstrate real results, proving the effectiveness and
value of our strategy and tactics.
Since 1999, we have lived and breathed our corporate
motto: On time. On budget. On strategy. Life
is just too short for mediocrity. We are
interested in partnering with like-minded individuals to achieve meaningful,
powerful business results, while opting out of futile dances with
disrespectful, disengaged thinkers. From where we stand, the time for
interviews is over – we’re ready to work; now how may we help you?
