Brandtelling

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner/operator of a Consulting practice that specializes in Growth and Exit Strategies for vcomanies with $5 to $75 million in revenenue

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Brandtelling?

Brandtelling worked with me to create an updated persona and message strategy, then carry it through an updated website and social media prescence.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

Given my work to help other owners enhance their businesses' ROI, I am aware of many 'marketing' firms in the area. I have known Arthur for many yuears and it was an easy decision to reach out to him.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

First, a lot of talk! We discussed the industry and the need to stand out in a crowd. We discussed the communication targets, both end clients, and Centers of Influence to help get me to them. We discusssed what has worked and not worked before. Second, we brainstormed approaches. Then Brqandtelling built a draft design that we threw darts at. In final stages, it was a collaberative effort.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I worked directly with Arthur (Chief Brand Creator) end to end with some technical support in the background.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We are two weeks out and I have only result compliments from the community.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

As noted above, a very collaborative effort. very effective, great result

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

We were impressed with Arthur's experience and knowledge. Minimal time from start to finish. And they are not afraid to teach me how to do minor updates. They were great tutors.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the marketing specialist for a energy-savings engineering firm. We specialize in energy-performance contracting for school districts, allowing them to upgrade facilities by saving energy and saving money.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Brandtelling, and what were your goals?

Our former brand wasn't serving our desire to break out of the local market. Our company name didn't connect to our services and we lacked a cohesive strategy to our brand and brand extensions. We needed an objective set of eyes and a partner who could keep us on track - especially with an aggresive deadline.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

While other vendors were considered, Arthur seemed to know what we needed before we knew we needed it. While we knew we needed a new brand identity, Arthur's story-telling approach gave us a fresh perspective on our business and our direction.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

Arthur conducted a thorough (yet enjoyable) interview with key members of the leadership team. He managed to coax out industry language, brand baggage, and competitive advantage to craft the brand-telling storyline. Through clear and detailed scopes-of-work Arthur and his team delivered a full brand package which included a new name, logo, elevator pitch, detailed narrative, brand-extension nomenclature, and more. He even re-wrote our entire website with updated copy to match the new brand language and design.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I worked directly with Arthur, the Brandtelling principal. I also collaborated with this designer, public relations specialist, and videographer. All members of his team were experts in their respective fields.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

New brands usually take a while to "catch-on"...but our new brand seems to have had immediate adoption. I attribute that to the alignment of the name, design, and story to what we do. The fit is so natural it's almost hard to remember it being any other way.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Arthur is very clear in his process - articulating what he needs, what he will be delivering, and when he will be delivering it. I had regular meetings and there were milestone updates with the leadership team. We had an aggressive deadline with the rebrand, but they hit all the deadlines and kept the stakeholders updated.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I was most impressed by the quality of work and the thoroughness. This was Madison Avenue quality work expected from a large marketing firm....yet was executed by a modest team of exceptional talent.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

We were fortunate to have the Brandtelling team local to us...but the lingering pandamic didn't allow for as many in-person meetings as I might have preferred. That said, the communication and interaction was in no way compromised.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

IT services and consulting company. Currently I am responsible for portfolio lifecycle.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Communication Strategy Group?

Over the past years I have engaged CSG to help with content development around our solution areas. It requires them to be familiar with our company, services and under stand our branding and style as well.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

I have worked with CSG for many years. I choose to work with them because they understand my expectations, timelines and they type and quality of content I am looking for.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

It is important for us to make sure we have the right internal and external content available to support our solutions. We have defined standard content that is required for each of the solutions in our portfolio. Once a project kicks off CSG typically researches the solution, interviews our subject matter experts and then produces the required documents. We typically go through 2 or 3 revisions through email to get to the final product.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I have worked with many resources at CSG and all produce the same quality of content. We are usually working with one person per project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The content packages that are produced enable our sales team and marketing team to have all the information they need on our solutions and position to the appropriate market. This accelerates our time to market by quickly enabling our teams.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Workflow is very effective as we have a long time working relationship and understand the most efficient way to get our projects completed.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The ability to understand my expectations and adjust to fit the needs of our individual SMEs

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

No improvements. They understood what I needed and delivered every time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

As General Manager of Informa Tech’s Channel business, Kelly leads the strategic vision and execution of the team's go-to-market strategy of content, digital media, events, research, communities, and best-in-class data and audience solutions to help our customers stay informed and exponentially grow their business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Communication Strategy Group?

We were bringing together 2 digital news and information sites together and needed to build the story around our media and events business. Arthur was helpful in shaping the full story for the sales and marketing materials, the news release to the wire, and press release to our industry.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

Our VP of Content has done extensive work with Arthur over the years. His understanding of the IT Channel; was incredibly helpful in understanding the "why" we were bringing the sites together and how this all ties into our live event strategy and community development.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

Numerous deep dive conversations to review the project, review the 2 sites, walk-thru of the new site, review of the events. News release created, assistance with a letter to be shared with our clients help with developing the announcement of our DEI Advisory Board, Workshop Series, and Community.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We worked directly with Arthur.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

They were incredible to work with. They had strategic guidance, timely follow-ups, and clear reporting on news wire results.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Incredibly efficient

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Understanding of the IT Channel, timely turnaround, and availability over the weekend to ensure we met our deadline.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I was being guided properly the entire way, look forward to our next project together.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the Director of Marketing for Aspire Technology Partners and I head the marketing team. Aspire is a premier technology systems integrator and services firm delivering digital infrastructure solutions and managed services designed specifically to achieve transformational outcomes for our clients.  

Aspire’s outcome‐driven approach accelerates the client's journey by combining secure digital infrastructure, validated designs and implementation expertise, and managed services, transforming today’s multi‐cloud architectures into enablers of business value.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Communication Strategy Group?

We needed help with various projects to improve our brand presence and awareness.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Communication Strategy Group works with us for various projects which include PR and publicity, and communications. We lay out a plan and a calendar of activities so that their team can get aligned. 

We then sit down with Arthur G. (Principal & Chief Brandteller) to see where we can map and align Communication Strategy Group services. The team helps put together press materials and blogs and assists us with some collateral development. Our podcasts are also produced by their team.

What is the team composition?

Arthur G. is my main point of contact, and I’ve also interacted with Michael S. (Creative Director) and other teammates.

How did you come to work with Communication Strategy Group?

I have worked with them in past organizations, and because I was satisfied with their services, I continued working with them in my present role.

How much have you invested with them?

We spend about $50,000 annually for their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

My current organization has been working with them for about a year and a half.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

The services they offer are based on expertise and experience. Their quality of work is why I continue working with them. We’re achieving what we want.

How did Communication Strategy Group perform from a project management standpoint?

The team is always on top of things, and they take the initiative to follow up with us and provide status updates on a regular basis. We used several communication channels, including email and social media. Arthur also calls me directly if there’s something we need to work on.

They use specific software to make it easier to communicate and to track the status of the project on the backend. I’ve never had any issues working with them because it’s an organized process. They understand the business in terms of our own go-to-market tactics.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The mere fact that they understand the business, how we work, and what our expectations are for driving the desired outcomes is impressive. Communication Strategy Group doesn’t set up a project and leave it; they’re always there to guide us from beginning to end. I’m really happy working with them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Overall, the team is doing a great job. They are most often meeting if not exceeding expectations with what they create and deliver.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be involved in the process. When you’re working with a third-party partner, transparency is important. That way Communication Strategy Group can grasp exactly what you’re looking for and have a better understanding of the business and the strategy.

You need to develop a trusting relationship so that the process of achieving the results that you want can be much more seamless.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the chief revenue officer of a value-added reseller of technology. We provide technology services for both project and managed outsourcing.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Communication Strategy Group?

Essentially, we had some changes in organization and were in search of additional marketing and communications services. Our team had tried using an internal employee to handle that role but found it to be challenging for just one person. We contacted Communication Strategy Group to see if they could provide an outsourcing marketing communications role for us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Communication Strategy Group handles the outsourced marketing and communications services for our partner channels. For example, as a value-added reseller, we have a gold partnership with Cisco. We handle Cisco’s publications, mailings, and podcasts all in an effort to generate interest for their products and services. Communication Strategy Group comes into play because they provide the business solutions in our collaboration with Cisco.

Their team refines the content we develop and create. This includes campaigns to communicate messages to our new and existing clients. Communication Strategy Group also set up our podcast platform. We invite and interview experts in the fields that we’re interested in to discuss and deliver lecture sessions. Communication Strategy Group then uploads the episodes to a number of podcast hosting platforms.

What is the team composition?

Arthur (Principal and Chief Brandteller) is my main contact. He engages a number of others, probably about 2–3 people, depending on the campaign.

How did you come to work with Communication Strategy Group?

Their team was recommended to us through one of our partners. I reached out to Communication Strategy Group and asked if they could provide a retainer on-demand partnership to help us with various projects. They were very happy to engage.

How much have you invested with them?

We invest between $6,500–$7,000 a month.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our ongoing partnership began in October 2019.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Island Tech Services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Communication Strategy Group?

We hired Communication Strategy Group to help us put together a story for our brand through content. This expanded to both our web and social media presence as well as email marketing campaigns we do.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

To start the process, Communication Strategy Group listened to our explanations about the company’s history, customer base, and products. Based on this, they created a brand that encompasses everything our company is working toward. They produced three models for us based on our company’s different pillars. Since then, they’ve also created our WordPress website, implemented a new logo, and delivered a full branding package.

They handle our daily communication on social media and marketing campaigns. Every month, we collaborate on finding a topic to target through these efforts. From there, the team will develop an email marketing campaign, a relevant, researched blog, and make any website updates necessary. They also handle the news releases whenever we have big company news, such as mergers, acquisitions, product launches, and more. 

What is the team composition?

Arthur (Principal & Chief Brandteller, Communication Strategy Group) and Mike (Creative Director & Partner, Communication Strategy Group) are our main points of contact. 

How did you come to work with Communication Strategy Group?

I found Communication Strategy Group through a mutual customer of ours. After I talked about our challenges, they introduced us to Arthur and Mike. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spend $60,000 annually on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project began in September 2017 and we have an ongoing relationship.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

Over the last few years, we’ve been expanding across the country and their services make it easier for us to maximize our remote sales team’s efforts. Additionally, they created a strong, new brand for us and we’re able to quickly go to the market with our products. 

How did Communication Strategy Group perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re a very responsive team. Our team appreciates how they keep us on track. We’ll have weekly conference calls, they’ll set up a timetable for the deliverables, and keep us updated throughout the month on their progress. They are actively engaged with our sales team and support their remote efforts, too.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I love that I can give their team an idea and they’ll take it from there. They take our concepts and turn them into the exact message we’re trying to convey. We also value that they bring their own ideas and help develop content that works toward our goal. Their flexibility and high engagement level really help us. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there’s nothing they can change. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

When working with any marketing company, you should look at your budget and know what you’re trying to achieve. It’s great to hire a team of resources like this instead of an in-house teammate who might not have broad expertise. Knowing that Communication Strategy Group is a team of writers and content creators is important. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the former VP of marketing and business development at Logicalis.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Communications Strategy Group?

We were in need of consistent content development and PR coverage.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Communication Strategy Group developed a PR and content strategy and executed on development. They produced a press release each week, along with regular social media and blog posts. They also pitched content to third-party outlets, including trade publications.

What is the team composition? 

I primarily worked with an account director, Karen, their editorial services director, Mark, and a brand storyteller, Arthur. 

How did you come to work with Communications Strategy Group?

I had worked with someone on their team in the past who connected me with the rest of the team.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them from 2008–2016, but we still consider them partners.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Communication Strategy Group's content efforts had a significantly positive impact on client engagement. They also got our business consistent coverage in trade publications most valuable to our line of work. 

How did Communications Strategy Group perform from a project management standpoint?

They were incredibly responsive, going above and beyond in terms of customer service. Even though they're located across the country, communications were seamless and their distance seemed irrelevant. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're great at providing personalized service and taking the time to understand their client's needs and industry. Some vendors would require ongoing training, but that wasn't the case with them; they're very proactive about learning about their clients in order to provide the best possible solutions. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Maintain open lines of communication and let them know what's happening within your organization to give them a better understanding of client needs.