CUT THRU Branding Agency

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Co- founder of Charles and Blackberry

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

online coffee

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire CUT THRU to accomplish?

• Branding

SOLUTION

How did you find CUT THRU?

Referral

Why did you select CUT THRU over others?

Referred to me

What was the size of CUT THRU’s team?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

CUT THRU added a strategic element to the brand which acted as guide for decision making when it comes to distribution and the visual and verbal identities of the brand. Whilst our brand already looked pretty, it was graphic design, we needed it to become a brand!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• Hitting the ground running and getting a lot more leads
• Our sales process became so much easier.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

We worked with Jonathan, Oliver, David and Kieran, CUT THRU’s strategist, copywriters and designers. They’re great, they have no qualms travelling to really come and not just see the brand but live it, in its context. It’s a gesture that wasn’t lost on us and showed a deep level of commitment.

What was your primary form of communication with CUT THRU?

In-Person Meeting, Virtual Meeting, Email or Messaging App

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

The most impressive aspect for us was their depth of knowledge not just about branding and marketing (particularly for a startup) but specifically the amount of knowledge they had in F&B, specifically coffee brands. Trust an Australian to know what a good coffee is and how to market it!

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

They can open an office in Bogota or canada so we have them closer by!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a self employed Management Consultant.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

CUT THRU worked with me to refresh my personal brand, website and copy, in addition to conducting significant research to take my services global.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I was recommended by a friend in Sydney at first. I met with 3 other brand agencies and I felt that CUT THRU offered a very personal service. I felt truly understood.

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

Market research was conducted, which included surveying and interviewing my previous and current clients as well as prospective clients. This was presented to me articulately, and I was given clear explanations of data trends. Following this, CUT THRU consulted with me over the course of a few months to make positive changes to my brand.

This included visual (logo, colours, photography etc), website copy, tone of voice. CUT THRU worked very well with my UX designer. I found the process very smooth and professional.

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

My main contact was Jonathan, Brand Strategist, but there was some contact with a copywriter, designer and research consultant too.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I am extremely pleased with the service I received from beginning to end. I am already seeing the positive impacts in my business.

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

I have zero complaints. CUT THRU were professional, organised and accommodating to my needs and busy schedule.

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

The personal service offered. Other businesses felt very much like I was buying a rebrand package off the shelf, where as CUT THRU felt bespoke.

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

None.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the project manager for Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi overseeing employer branding solutions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Employer branding with employer value propositions to help initiate a cultural change initiative.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

CUT THRU was one of the few firms globally that we found that had experience in internal employer branding in the travel and aviation industry. Their work with companies like Pointy Travel who recommended them was one of the major reasons we chose them.

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

We needed to create and execute a new employer branding strategy to attract the highest quality expats possible to our company and the UAE.

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

We worked with the entire CUT THRU team from their creative director, junior and senior strategist, account manager and senior copywriters.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

CUT THRU was instrumental in helping us effectively roll out the culmination of 5 years of work and ensured our new policies, systems and procedures were adopted internally. The greatest success here was internal cultural change that, thanks to CUT THRU, was seamless.

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

Highly organised team that delivered a month earlier than expected. We appreciated that they consistently under-promised and over-delivered.

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

We were surprised a small company from Australia had such a depth of knowledge of our company and culture (both corporate and nationally). Their knowledge of branding and marketing was second to none and they helped build our team's internal competencies and trained our own staff to be able to manage our brand internally in ways we never thought possible. We thought it was all in the hands of marketing but now understand the importance of branding from an HR perspective too.

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

Open an office in Abu Dhabi!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the co-founder of Clique. Clique is a novel dating app that is set to launch in April 2023.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Branding and strategy before going into production of the app. We wanted to deliver the concept (app and branding) to our focus groups that was as close to the finished product as possible, to determine whether we had a viable product.

SOLUTION

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

We were looking for a branding and marketing strategy that understood the app space. After looking into Jonathan’s extensive experience, he also had previous dating app experience which aligned with our goals.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

The team at cut thru conducted in-depth research into our target audiences and competitors, using those insights to underpin a strategy and creative execution that helped us validate our app with our most desirable target markets

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

I mostly interacted with Jonathan. He was our conduit to his resources.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Based on Jonathan’s recommendations, we changed the wireframes, branding and UX of the app. These changes were well received in the market research focus groups. We feel we are in a better position going into the production stage of the app.

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

All steps were communicated clearly and in a timely manner

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

I am continually impressed at the knowledge and expertise they bring to every stage of the project. Every recommendation is backed by research and has an evidence based approach.

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

Not at this stage

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Co-Founder of hyloh. A global network helping organisations with their material and sustainability challenges.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our business required a re-brand, some visual and messaging consistency, that three co-founders could agree on.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We gathered proposals from three different branding agencies and freelancers. Cut Thru had a very interesting process and previous client results made us confident about our choice.

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

We elected to do the pre-work to save some budget, which was supported and guided by Cut Thru. The best part of the process was the two-day workshop, and the final results were something we were delighted with.

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

I worked directly with Jonothan and had some contact with his copywritter.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The cohesive brand helps our collaborators and co-founders sell our business better. A consistent message and visual expression that differs from our competitors is what we were after.

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

We are quite an agile company, trying to work across multiple timezones requires flexibility and that is what Cut Thru offered. It was a nice mixture of having the time to make decisions at our pace, and being pushed toward solidifying results.

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

The wide variety of clients and work.

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

Not especially

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Senior Recruiter

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Consulting advice on how to be an employer of choice.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I have known this vendor since my time in Australia and have used them for consulting previously in other roles and businesses.

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

In a highly competitive job market we wanted to attract the highest quality candidates possible. Not just from our job listings, but ideally have people approach us.

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

We worked with their Senior and Junior Brand Strategist and copywriting teams. But enjoyed that we predominately had one point of contact who was the owner of the company.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our job applications begin to come in organically and the application rate to our posted ads nearly doubled!

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

We felt like their only client. Regular, constant, clear communication often delivered in-person, at our office. Which was lovely considering since Covid many people only wanted to do Zooms!

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

Unlike most branding agencies we've dealt with, CUT THRU was incredibly data driven. Everything they did could be measured. They also gave us a personality in a space where everyone appears to be just another boring B2B brand.

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

No, they were amazing.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

At SimpleDose we make your medication easier and simpler. Say goodbye to sorting your pills and trying to remember to take everything. Say hello to one packet. It’s medication, made simple. I am the founder of SimpleDoe

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our business is just establishing, and so we needed a brand strategy to clearly articulate what our value proposition consists of.

SOLUTION

How did you select CUT THRU?

We went ahead and searched for relevant agencies via referrals, and found Cut Thru via a strong recommendation. Industry credibility was also important.

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

To start, Cut Thru analysed our brand with research analysis, conducted by us. We spoke with potential customers and organized findings accordingly. Once Cut Thru had a firm understanding of our brand and company values, they created an entire brand strategy for us.

This included tagline, logo, visual identity and marketing materials including messaging.

How many people from the CUT THRU team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We worked directly with the owner, and he delegated some of the work to his talented team behind the scenes. The owner project managed the entire thing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Because of the project, our brand image is cohesive and easily interpretable. Our traffic has seen a meaningful spike since we launched the brand strategy, and customers and partners consistently compliment our logo and branding materials, so we’re happy with the final products.

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

We had a 2 day in person workshop, which helped flesh out the important core objectives of the project. Additionally, we regularly communicated over email and they gave us regular updates. They were extremely accommodating with working toward common timelines with web developers.

For each step, they asked for our feedback, and listened.

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

Their commitment to learning about our business and doing necessary research at the start was impressive. I felt they truly cared about our needs and wanted to help us reach our goals. I have to say their creativity was really impressive!

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

Nothing comes to mind

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Online Pharmacy, I was the head of operations and patient success.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We instructed CUT THRU to create a brand book for a new company. The goal was to have a very clear brand document for which all contractors could understand infuse when doing any work for our company. To articulate what the foundational principles and vision for the company was to easily get everyone on the same page (for all customers, contractors and employees)

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

A number of agencies were interviewed for this scope of work. Jonathan (cutthru) was successful due to his experience and clearly understanding what we were trying to accomplish. Examples of his work made it very clear he understood the vision of the various companies and was able to add his unique flare for each branding element.

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

To start he created a DIY approach to research interviews for our target market as we requested this. He then coached us through the findings and how best to present them to him. Jonathan flew up to QLD to meet with with us for a workshop to tease out and interpret all the findings and build the basis of the branding.

From here he went away and with a few questions to clarify built the brand book. Each section was clearly explained over many meetings until we all felt we were where we needed to be for the next stage.

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

We worked directly with the director, Jonathan Sankey.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The first version of the brand book and walk through was very impressive. You could see the level of detail the team went through.

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

Jonathan was very hands on. He was always available with a response and updates. When things took longer than expected this was clearly communicated with updates offered.

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

The size of the agency allows Jonathan to be nimble and quickly change path/focus when required. As a new company we are constantly learning from new insights which can directly impact the branding element.

CUT THRU were always willing to accommodate and offer their expertise. With the opportunity to meet Jonathan it was clear to see his passion for branding and how his breadth of life experience is channelled into his work and clients.

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

NA

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Director of a charitable Foundation that provides funding projects to charities to improve the life of Australian residents.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

CutThru played a major role in assessing us develop our focus, priority areas and messaging

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Jonathan at CutThru, unlike other organisations, completely understood our brief from your first meeting.

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

The scope of work included clearly identifying our purpose and ensuring  potential grant applicants will understand our mssion and purpose.

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

We worked with Jonathan from CutThru and the designer (for web design) Kassandra

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The end result has been a website that meets all our needs. 

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

Jonathan and his team were extremely pprofessioanl and easy to communcate with. Always timely in returning our phone calls and emails.

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

Ability to quickly understand the brief work with cliets in an open and professsional manner and most importantly they had great ideas and a creative vision.

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

No 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

The premium psychology-fitness™ company in the world. I am the founder

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

branding of our company

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Through reviewing him and many others through numerous talks

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

Full rebranding overhaul: marketing materials, banner, social media, website, etc

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

one

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

By combining psychology with personal training CUT THRU opened us to an entirely new, larger and more profitable market not just in New York, but globally. This allowed us to charge a premium for a services and rendered our competitors irrelevant by creating a new category we can truly own with barriers to entry that simply can't be competed with.

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

Timeliness was on-point, communication tools were professionally delivered and management style was collaborative

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

His ability to take something so new, complicated and disruptive and make it simple was impressive.

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

none