Frequently Asked Questions



Why Do I Need A Marketing Strategist?

  • You don't have a qualified person on staff (a crack sales manager is not necessarily a qualified marketing person).
  • You're tired of trying to do it all yourself.
  • You need the fresh perspective only an experienced outsider can bring.
  • You don't want to waste any more money on advertising, PR and promotions that don't work.
  • You'd like to cut down the time you spend working in your business and put more energy into working on the business.
  • You don't want to use an expensive ad agency or consulting firm.
  • You understand that the CEO must drive the marketing effort, but you need help getting a process into place.
  • You'd like your sales force to operate at peak efficiency.

    • How does this approach work?

  • We begin by meeting with you and your key reports to gain an overview of your business situation.
  • Next we analyze this information and determine if additional facts are needed to complete the picture.
  • If necessary we recommend research that will fill in any knowledge gaps about customers, markets, competition etc.
  • If a sound strategic plan does not exist we will guide you through a process to develop one.
  • We will help you create the strategic marketing component of your plan.
  • With your agreement we will help you implement those parts of the plan that require outside services.
  • We will track agreed-upon KPIs to determine the success of the plans, identify changes in the marketing environment and to course-correct as necessary.

    • How are you different from consultants?

    Business consulting firms try to be all things to all businesses. We focus on marketing – it's really the core of every successful business. Additionally, we are not simply selling you our expertise for a given period of time. Our goal is to make you as self-sufficient as you choose to be by empowering you and your staff to make good marketing decisions.

    We have experience and expert associates in all phases of marketing:

  • Marketing research
  • Advertising, public relations, sales promotion and direct marketing
  • Key account sales management
  • Hiring the right people for any job
  • Technology licensing, royalty streams, intellectual property issues
  • New product development and launching
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Financial management services

    • What do you mean by “empowerment?”

    Our coaching process is, in part, an educational one. We train you and your key people in real world, relationship-building marketing principals. Most important, we teach you how to create a marketing-centric culture for your company in which virtually every employee becomes part of the marketing effort.

    How long will I need this service?

    That depends on the business decisions you make. You may decide that after getting a better handle on marketing you have the internal resources to plan and execute your programs. Or you may wish to retain us to help in specific areas of planning, tracking results or Implementation. The choice is always yours.

    Is there a minimum period I must pay for?

    We ask that, after you agree with our initial evaluation and recommendations, you commit to a one-year relationship. At the year's end, we will continue to serve you as you wish on a day-to-day basis.

    How do I know you can do what you say?

    Click here to learn what our clients have to say about our work.

    How many people are in the company?

    We currently have over 30 professionals available to work on various aspects of client programs. All of our principal associates operate as independent business people rather than employees of our company. Norman J. Vallone is President and Chief Marketing Strategist.

    How much work must I do?

    Fact is, only the CEO or equivalent should drive the marketing effort. At first, when we are in the discovery and planning stages, you will likely have a number of tasks to perform. Once the plan is being implemented, your personal time involvement will be lessened. Many CEOs ultimately find that they actually have more time available because they are handling marketing issues more efficiently.

    What does all this cost?

    The total marketing program costs depend on the strategic decisions you make and how they fit into your overall budget. The initial discovery and program development costs vary depending on your individual situation (is market research required? Do you have a workable strategic plan in place, or do we need to develop one? What is the size and nature of your audience?). All projects will be quoted prior to initiation.

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    P: 937.272.2051 - E: njv@njvallone.com - www.njvallone.com
    A division of MessageWorks, Inc.