Frequently Asked Questions

I balance direct response tools to reach "today shoppers" with brand building for "tomorrow shoppers." That provides immediate cash flow for payroll and other expenses, while building your reputation for customers who don't yet need what you sell. When they do recognize that need they already like and trust your company.

This answer depends on the purchase cycle for what you sell. We can get responses fairly quickly for a restaurant because dining out may happen several times a week. Refrigerators typically last 10-15 years. As you might imagine it will take longer to persuade customers to buy a new refrigerator.

Most clients begin to see increased phone calls and inquiries within 30-60 days.

I cheat.

I work with owner-operated businesses that are operationally excellent, have perfected customer service systems, and given enough time would be successful without my help. I make that success happen much more quickly.

I have worked with plumbers, healthcare providers, automotive repair, air conditioning repair, real estate, restaurants, roofing, pest control, hair salons, dance studios, and computer repair.

The key requirement is that the business owner is actively involved and prepared for significant growth.

The process requires more attention to different steps, depending on the client, the customers, and the competition. It generally works like this:

This process reflects my belief that good advertising is both art and engineering—grounded in research, fueled by creativity, and focused on measurable growth.

It's much easier to grow a tiny company than a larger one. As you might expect, my fees are based on the amount of time and effort I expect to invest in your success.

There are two stages of us working together. First, the research and creation of the marketing plan. You will pay 8/10s of 1 percent of your gross sales for this initial work. If your sales last year were $2 million, your marketing plan will require a one time investment of $16,000.

If you choose to execute the plan on your own, our relationship is over at this point. But most clients want help in executing the plan. I charge another 8/10s of 1 percent per year, divided by 12 monthly payments. In this example, $1,333 per month.

That number will adjust annually by the same percentage your top line sales have grown. Sales are up 20 percent? My fee increases by 20 percent also. But you're paying it with profits you've already earned.

Questions? Call my direct number: 304-208-7654.

I work with businesses all across the U.S. and a few in other English speaking countries.

The initial consultation is primarily a 60 to 90 minute conversation to find out whether we like each other enough to want to work together for years. It's a chance for you to ask questions about me and my process, and for me to learn about what motivates you, about your goals, and maybe even whether you've planned your own exit from your company. There is no cost for this consultation, and you will come away with a few ideas you can implement immediately.

There's nothing wrong with looking for quick fixes. There's nothing wrong with finding other parts of your company to invest in before marketing. If that's the case, my approach may not be the right fit. I wish you well.

If you're excellent at what you do, have the infrastructure to handle growth, and are committed to investing in long-term marketing success, you're ready.

Maybe we should talk. My direct number is 304-208-7654.