Talk to me about your biggest marketing challenge

They looked at me and thought I was crazy…

It was one of those moments in a staff meeting where everyone stops in their tracks.

Our group was debating the topic of the latest offer we would feature on our blog and website. Over the course of the last year we offered reports, tips, and small e-books on various PR and marketing topics designed both to educate and to generate leads for our business. They generated a bunch of downloads and conversations but I wanted to do something a little bit more. So I suggested the following:

“Why not just offer a 30 minute conversation/consultation with me?”

There was a long pause.

Then I said, “why not? Isn’t that what we want to generate any way? Some meaningful conversations with folks about their marketing needs that might lead to long-term relationships?”

Everyone nodded yes but still thought I was crazy. They all thought most of the conversations would be a waste of time. Based on our experience we know most people still don’t know the difference between advertising, PR, social media, content marketing and all the other “buzz phrases of the day” that are captured under the umbrella of marketing. So naturally most of my 30 minutes calls would be with folks who don’t know or understand or whose businesses just aren’t ready to work with us.

And therein lies the main point.

Many people we meet with regularly don’t know what we do or how we do it so we’re already having those meetings or calls any way. So by putting the offer out there we can at least talk to the folks who have some sort of need and help them find their way.

So I’m happy for you to hit our call-to-action button below and request the time with me but here’s what I ask for in return:

  • Make sure (as best you can) to come with a company or organization or product that is “real.” We love startups but if you don’t have customers or at least some funding then why even talk?
  • Do some research into the different marketing tactics. Have some base knowledge of the differences between advertising, public relations, social media, content marketing, etc.
  • Know what you want out of the conversation. My first question will be “we have 30 minutes, what do you want to leave this conversation with?” Don’t request a consultation without being able to answer that question.

In the spirit of honesty and transparency my goal out of this is to increase the number of conversations I have with the hope that some might lead to agency-client relationship. I know that many folks out there are looking for some free advice. I’m happy to give some because it helps me learn about new things, hone my craft and get a sense for the marketplace.

So you’re all free to think I’m crazy. Unless, of course it turns out that I’m not…




Jon Newman

In 2002 Jon cofounded The Hodges Partnership and has helped to grow it into one of the country’s largest public relations firms (based on O’Dwyer’s annual rankings). Jon has taught communications as an adjunct professor at VCU, speaks regularly at conferences and meetings and blogs and tweets about public relations and marketing issues.

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