FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
While it is much easier for people to think in terms of an "hourly fee" in order to estimate costs, my focus is on building relationships, delivering strategic value and planning for the long-term all the way through. After learning more about your needs and goals, I will propose a project price, which will include the amount of time/meetings needed to achieve our goals. If there are parts of your proposed project which I can "bill" at a lower rate by utilizing my virtual assistants, I will suggest that as well in order to keep your costs lower. I enjoy meeting my clients in person and have no issues with traveling to your location. In general, in-person meetings are $225 per hour plus travel expenses with a 2 hour minimum, and are invaluable to both of us in working towards achieving your goals - together!
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Marketing Consultation Strategy While every client comes with a different set of needs and expectations regarding marketing consultation, planning and execution of strategies, a general work flow for us to consider would be: Pre-Meeting Self-Evaluation Before even meeting for an initial consultation, you will receive a packet including questions for reflection, several forms and statements to complete, and other supporting material so that I can become familiar with the current state of your business, along with your website, social media/LinkedIn presence, and other marketing materials. Initial Consultation While later meetings can certainly take place via Skype/video chat or phone if more convenient, it is always preferable for our initial consultation to take place in person. The initial consultation generally takes approximately hours, and will give us the opportunity to analyze the current state of your business and strategize for the future. Subsequent engagements will continue along the following plan: Stage 1 – Situation Analysis Exploring the factors currently affecting your business, both those changeable as well as those over which you have little control. Stage 2 – Setting Goals and Objectives Without a destination, your path can never be clear nor direct. We will work to establish goals which are: realistic, yet challenging specific and quantifiable time specific and create standards by which your progress will be measured. Stage 3: Development and Implementation of Strategies and Plans Whether you are looking to widen your markets or shift your efforts in new directions, concrete steps will be established and executed in a sequential manner toward your goals. Stage 4: Tapping Technology and Automation From email marketing to specialized software integration, technology can assist you in achieving your goals by speeding up many processes, improving communication and making you more productive. Stage 5: Assessment and Evaluation “Those who have not learned the lessons from history are doomed to repeat it” (George Santayana), so honest appraisal and valuation of your progress is vital to your continued success.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have worked with businesses, organizations and professionals for over a decade as a consultant, speaker and marketing professional. I has been an Associate Professor in the Marketing Department of Nassau Community College for 8 years. Additionally, I have been a small business owner myself for over a dozen years, and my company - Red Penguin Web Solutions - has assisted hundred of clients in web development, maintenance and social media marketing.