I've worked on both sides of the consulting equation....


I've been part of a senior management team that used a variety of consultants on a regular basis, and now, I am the consultant. What a difference a day makes.
I'm encountering a whole new realm of experience. Business development - not for an employer's product or service - but for my own company's consulting services. And I see what it's like on the other side. So much so, that I'm in the midst of a full-blown article about it. No, not a tell-all, but a how-to.
I'm very curious. MarketingProfs is distributed to over 180,000 subscribers, and I'm sure this Daily Fix is gaining in popularity as more of you discover it. So, inquiring minds want to know. If you're an internal marketer, what's been your experience in hiring marketing consultants? What do you look for? How do you find them? Does your senior team support it? See the necessity? What's been the result?
And, if you're a consultant, what are your challenges? What are the red flags you look for when meeting a new prospect? What's your fee structure? Do you work on retainer? Project basis? How do your clients prefer to work? What are the pros and cons of being on your own versus being an employee?
I'm learning every day. I love working with new people and helping them develop their marketing strategy or write and produce their marketing collateral. The small business owners and nonprofits are especially in need of assistance and I provide that to them. I particularly relish my flexibility.
My real dream? To win the Powerball lottery so I can provide marketing consultation to a select group of nonprofits each year and not feel one iota of need to generate an income. Of course, there has to be some room in there for golf, at least twice a week. But, the rest of the time, I'd be brainstorming, copywriting, art directing, yada yada.
And, OK, I admit, an occasional shopping splurge. (If you're a guy, jump to the next paragraph.) Even if I won big, I'd still be a Marshalls and TJ Maxx affecionado. I love a good bargain. There's nothing like the exhilaration of finding a 100% supple leather handbag regularly priced at $175 and marked down with a red ticket to only $40! Now, that's a good day.
Back to marketing. I want to hear from you. Please reply here in the Daily Fix. Your honesty is encouraged.
Thanks!