It’s finally happening.
You’ve taken your friends’ advice, have reached maximum exhaustion from doing EVERYTHING in your business and you’re ready to get back simply creating. Based on your research of how to most effectively use your money, you’ve decided you want to hire a consultant to do your marketing. This way you’re not having to pay anyone full-time salary but are still addressing a critical business need.
If you’re going to fork over any of the money you’ve spent so much time saving up, you want to make sure that you’re getting the most of it. You want someone who makes your job easier and more enjoyable, not someone who adds to your to do list. So how do you know if the person you may be bringing on is the right match for your business? You can find out by asking these three things…
1. Do they understand your voice?
Now when I say voice in this particular instance, I’m not talking about your voice as the business owner, I’m talking about the voice of your business. If your business sells products for children it’s most likely going to have an upbeat energy that gets people excited about what you’re saying. If you’re selling something like software, your voice may be a little more formal and technical.
Whatever your business’ personality and voice may be, it’s absolutely crucial that the person who is representing your business and your brand is in tune with who you are as a company and can market your business accordingly.
A great way to test this out is to give them a sample idea for something you may be marketing and give them a chance to write something. If you read over it and it sounds like your business, you may have just found the right fit.
2. Can they utilize your vision?
Can your marketing consultant see what you see for your business? If you envision yourself on talking about your business or non-profit on Oprah, you need someone that’s excited about that possibility. If you want to be international, you want someone who is ready and willing to explore new territory.
Ultimately, you want someone who is going to take your idea and run with it! An added bonus to having a visionary as a consultant is that they may even present you with an idea that you’d never even considered before.
If, as you’re explaining your vision to your potential marketing consultant, you find they’re constantly trying to change it then you may need to continue considering your options.
3. Do they uphold your values?
Some people may not see how values tie into business relationships, I’m here to tell you that it can make a world of difference. If you’re big on communication, they should be too. If you’re trying to maintain work/life balance and Saturdays are off limits, then they have to be okay with not constantly texting/emailing/calling you.
The best way to see if your potential marketing consultant shares your values is to casually ask them“What things are important to you? What is one thing you always try to make time for? What kind of people do you get along with best?” Their answers should at least give you enough insight to decide if you’d like to invite them back for a second interview.
Know someone with a business or non-profit who has decided to hire a marketing consultant? Be sure to share this with them. Are you a business owner or founder of a non-profit, yourself? Head on over to the main page and subscribe to Brands by Brie’s newsletter and get little nuggets of wisdom like this one delivered right to your inbox.
