Ilani Concepts

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a co-founder and a director at Atana Alliance Limited. A private limited company incorporated in 2019. We currently have 23 employees who oversee the current operations of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Ilani Concepts?

We saw the need to serve rural based clients at the vicinity of their door step. There was a great need to create product awareness and thus had so seek the service of Ilani Concepts. We wanted a developer who could develop a website and a mobile app.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to grow our market outreach. We needed our clients to have a platform where they can place orders and have the product delivered as fast as possible. Our rural clients, who make up about 90% of our clientele had to be served in a unique way.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We searched online for service providers, had interviews with three of them and finally settled to Ilani Concepts after considering their competence. The interviews were conducted by our management team.

Describe the project in detail.

We needed an online shopping platform, that is the website and a mobile application. After selecting the vendor, we had a detailed requirement description of our project. The vendor designed the brand, web interface and the mobile app for android and iOS platforms.

What was the team composition?

We assigned the project to the project manager who in turn delegated the duty to their front end and backend developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Customers were able to place orders within a week after the launch. That meant that the sole purpose of the project was turning out to be successful. Our users really feel it. We haven't experienced any downtime or bugs so far.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We did not have any challenge during the project life cycle. We received ontime updates.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The quality of their work was just wow! The vendor's understanding of the project was perfect.

Are there any areas for improvement?

If and only if the integration time with third party applications could be shortened.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a business development manager at an insurance company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ilani Concepts?

We were looking to have some print work done that would match our branding in terms of colors, how we identify, and the quality of our staff.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They did three items for us: mugs, hampers, and calendars. We had our own artwork, but they added a few concepts to it as well. They also input wording and added concepts to the work.

What is the team composition?

We worked with two main points of contact.

How did you come to work with Ilani Concepts?

We chose them based on Google ratings, reviews, and samples of past work. They seemed like the best fit for our project.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $1,975 with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them from November until December 2019. We’re also considering working with them again for print work in the area of stationary, signs, forms, etc.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We now have a manual for brand expectations for patterns and colors. We are very satisfied with their work.

How did Ilani Concepts perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicated mostly through emails and face-to-face meetings. They did well, delivering within the timeline promised. The quality of their items is also good.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They stay in touch, showing us as they make progress. They also give continual feedback, which is important.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could broaden the scope of work that they do.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Layout everything you want to be done at the beginning. That way, they can correctly set the timeline for their client.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director and founder of an online counseling platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ilani Concepts?

We needed a website that would be very simple to understand and give our clients the ability to book appointments.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We started out talking about what we were looking for. They gave us about what people are looking for in the market and how people can locate us. At first, we thought we needed someone who could do online marketing. We didn’t have the idea for the website at that time. I told them we wanted them to marketing for us, and they explained that we needed a website where people could look and book their time. They said that, without it, we’d have so many people calling at the same time that they’d get a busy line. After time, people would say we’re unreachable.  That’s when we changed from using them as a marketer to developing our website. They’re now providing support.

What is the team composition?

I dealt directly with one person.

How did you come to work with Ilani Concepts?

I found them when I searched Google for an online marketer.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $1,500 with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in November 2019, and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

My clients are happy and say that the website is easy to navigate. We have more than one telephone number compared to other companies who have only one. It’s very easy for our clients to reach us.

How did Ilani Concepts perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very professional. Communication is through email. They push us if they need information from us or if there’s something we need to approve. They meet deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They deliver quality work on time.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I’m happy with their work.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Since I engaged them, I’ve recommended them five times to friends who actually started working with them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We're a trust organization in Nairobi started in 2003 that works with different communities aiming to improve health and well being. I manage the adolescent and youth sexual reproductive health and rights program.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Ilani Concepts?

To build a choice card game around sexual reproductive health and rights issues for adolescents and youth that

What were your goals for this project?

To come up with a game that opens up discussions around sexual reproductive health and rights and also enables a young person to sharpen their decision making skills in a fun way.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We had interviews with several vendors and settled on this one after having seen their previous works but also having shown that they clearly understood what we wanted and had a delivery strategy in place.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

The project was to build the game. They came up with the flow of the game, the connection between the cards and the board, all the edits required, copyrights, printing and all the deliveries.

What was the team composition?

A project manager who was me, the lead game developer from Ilani and other team members from TICAH and Ilani who would occasionally be involved at different stages of the game.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

It has brought a lot of creativity and fun among young people when discussing about reproductive health and rights, critical thinking in decision making and Essen facilitation when it comes to tough topics.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

This is the first time we have done such a project; it was a bit challenging but exciting. The team was flexible, willing to listen and learn, and put all of their ideas into the game. I must say, the team was very available and easy to work with.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their availability. They were always available. This is unlike all the others.

Are there any areas for improvement?

A bit on researching for available products way prior to the date that it is needed.

UPDATED REVIEW

This review was updated by the client on March 25, 2020. The original star ratings were: Overall - 4, Quality - 4, Schedule - 4.5, Cost - 5, NPS - 5. New content is below:

SOLUTION

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

We're reviewing the game, again.

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent over $5,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

In the review process. We will do the final version this year.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

How did your relationship with the vendor evolve?

We went back to do reviews on the game and this is still ongoing. 

How did Ilani Concepts address the challenges that arose?

By always being there, assuring to work on areas of dispute, and always doing so. 

Describe the impact this engagement has had on your business.

The game is being used by adolescents and youths in various parts of the country, and they love it. 

How was project management handled?

It's handled well with very high professionalism.

Is there anything that the vendor did well or that you would consider a strength?

They are adding more insights to the review process. 
 
In what specific areas can they improve?

They should improve in ensuring print samples before the actual products.

What advice do you have for clients with similar needs to yours?

Conceptualize the idea before working on it. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of an equipment provider generally for the construction and occupational safety sector. We’re a family business with various subsidiary companies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ilani Concepts?

Ilani Concepts is our consultant for IT management.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Ilani Concepts developed our websites, hosts them, and manages our domain names. They provide both on-site and over-the-phone support, including antivirus installation. When we first began working with them, they spent time determining how many people were visiting our sites.

How did you come to work with Ilani Concepts?

They reached our to me when I happened to need software development. I called them, and they came in for a brief chat. That’s how we started working with them.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent less than $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in 2017 and the project is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve seen a massive improvement. Before working with them, our sites were down about 20% of the time, now it’s between 8%–10%. On a scale of 1–10, I’d give them an eight for complying to project guidelines.   

How did Ilani Concepts perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re excellent at meeting deadlines. When we do face issues, they’re very responsive, and get back to us within 24 hours.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They deal with issues on an individual basis. It’s not like I’m calling them and sitting on the line with call center personnel—I get them directly. They offer a personal touch that makes them easy to work with. Their customer relations are on-point. They’ve gone beyond our contractual agreement to provide extra services.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’ve only been unsatisfied with the results once, and the problem was a bit extreme. Maybe they should increase their capacity and on-board more team members.

UPDATED REVIEW

This review was updated by the client on APRIL 30, 2020. The original star ratings were: Overall - 4, Quality – 4, Schedule - 4, Cost - 5, NPS - 4. New content is below:

SOLUTION

What is the team dynamic?

Well Experienced and Professional

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

How did your relationship with the vendor evolve?

We’ve seen a massive improvement. They are now working on our other company websites and branding  

How did Ilani Concepts address the challenges that arose?

Excellent and professionally.

Describe the impact this engagement has had on your business.

We’ve seen a massive improvement. Before working with them, our sites were down about 20% of the time, now it’s between 1% - 3%. The branding has also assisted us having a corporate image that has now increased our brand recognition in the market.       

What do you find most impressive about them?

They deal with issues on an individual basis. It’s not like I’m calling them and sitting on the line with call center personnel—I get them directly. They offer a personal touch that makes them easy to work with. Their customer relations are on-point. They’ve gone beyond our contractual agreement to provide extra services. Also the quality of work delivered is amazing!

What advice do you have for clients with similar needs to yours?

If they are looking for a - Web Design, Branding, Mobile App Development and Digital Marketing.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an independent PR and marketing consultant.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ilani Concepts?

I needed someone to design and develop my personal website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They designed and developed my website, which is a professional and personal blog. There are two interfaces: one for my online profile, which resembles a blog and where I also share my work of PR and marketing consulting. The website contains my professional portfolio, my personal life trail, and things that interest me.

I provided the content and they did everything, including the design, the graphic design, and the development. They still maintain the website and host it as well.

What is the team composition?

I know of two people, but I mostly deal with Stephen (Director of Business Development, Ilani Concepts). He worked as the project manager.

How did you come to work with Ilani Concepts?

I found out about them through a friend’s website. I Googled them online, found their contacts, and was able to reach Stephen directly. He’s been with me the entire time.

How much have you invested with them?

I've spent $1,300–$1,400.  

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in June 2016. The website was finished a month later, but they continue to provide ongoing support.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Initially, the website worked very well. It no longer meets the current standards of what websites look like, but this is purely on my end because I’ve not initiated an update in two years. They’ve maintained the website though, working on any changes, login issues, or if it goes down within just hours. 

How did Ilani Concepts perform from a project management standpoint?

They're always available if the website is down or something is missing. I have direct contact with them and am quite happy with their responsiveness, which is mostly over the phone. They're supportive and helpful. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were honest and would fix issues that I reported within 3-4 hours.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Most of the time when I’d send someone to check on my website, that’s the only time I would know my website is down. If they’re monitoring the site, they ought to know it’s down.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Maintain constant follow-up with them. I only contacted them when there was a problem, but a constant back and forth would be better.

Company Responses

This review was updated by the client on April 2, 2020. The original star ratings were: Overall - 4, Quality - 4, Schedule - 4, Cost - 4, NPS - 5. New content is below:

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there. 

Pr. Marketing. Photography. Film

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ilani Concepts? 

Marketing

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Developing a digital marketing strategy

What is the team dynamic?

To help market my business online, to source for new leads

How did you come to work with Ilani Concepts?

They designed my website www.marutirashid.com

How much have you invested with them?

72,000 KES (Approximately $780 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

Still on going

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

How did your relationship with the vendor evolve? 

Repeat Business

How did Ilani Concepts address the challenges that arose?

They fixed several website problems that I used to incur in the past. They also refer people to my photo studio and they have gone ahead to engage business for me

Describe the impact this engagement has had on your business.

Some leads have worked out and some haven’t 

How was project management handled?

I mostly deal with one individual so they handle most of my concerns and business needs. They respond and act quickly whenever I need assistance.
Is there anything that the vendor did well or that you would consider a strength?

The vendor has good PR for his business thus making it easy for me to work with him
 
In what specific areas can they improve?

Grow a strong team who are able to pick up on clients 
 
What advice do you have for clients with similar needs to yours?

To build a good working rapport with the vendor and for them to explain clearly their need and the kind of gains they want from the vendor so that they get value for their money

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of Parlmont, a commodities supply and trading company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ilani Concepts?

We needed help with branding.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Ilani Concepts designed our logo and website. They came up with a new name and tagline for our company. The team did all of our printing. They continue to test the website anytime we add to it or make changes.  

What is the team composition?

I worked with seven people, including developers, web designers, a marketing executive, a general manager, and a supervisor in charge of the printing and graphics department.

How did you come to work with Ilani Concepts?

Another company referred them. We looked at other companies, but when we compared them all, Ilani Concepts was the best.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent less than $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our companies started working together in September 2018, and it’s ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Working with Ilani Concepts is wonderful. They’ve done a good job. The website and branding are high quality, and we’ve received good feedback. People love our website, and it’s helped us get more clients.

How did Ilani Concepts perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management is professionally done. They deliver according to what we want. We communicate via WhatsApp, phone calls, and email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They are a team of professionals.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I’m happy with their work.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

There’s more to come, as they keep growing their company and coming up with new criteria. You will enjoy doing business with them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Head of Marketing of infinite Rushmore

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

it's an ICT company that deals with creative &strategy, design & print and also website &digital services

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Ilani Concepts to accomplish?

• Ilani

SOLUTION

How did you find Ilani Concepts?

• Referral

Why did you select Ilani Concepts over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Ilani Concepts were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

The company demonstrated excellence by meticulously crafting a user-friendly interface, implementing responsive design, optimizing for SEO,and seamlessly integrating e-commerce functionality, thereby ensuring a comprehensive and top-tier online presence for our business

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

There was an increase in customer satisfaction by 30% resulting in a measurable improvement in project success

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

There was timely delivery of the project and they promptly addressed our needs through efficient communication and proactive problem-solving

What was your primary form of communication with Ilani Concepts?

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

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

The company seamlessly combines innovative, user-centric designs with cutting-edge functionality, creating a distinctive online experience that resonates with it's clients' goals

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

not really

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Am the founder of Harmony by Cindie, a leading wellness and beauty spa located in Nairobi, Kenya.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Ilani Concepts?

We needed a new identity both online and offline. One that could tell our story to all our potential and current clients.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed to create a strong brand identity and awareness in this competitive industry so as to increase our customer base and revenue.

SOLUTION

How did you select Ilani Concepts?

Our management went online to search the top leading companies that offer web and brand identity design leading us to Ilani Concepts. The portfolio is also very impressive too!

Describe the project in detail.

The project covered the following aspects:

1. Web Design
2. Brand Identity
3. Brochure and Banner Design
4. Signage
5. Online Booking System

What was the team composition?

The team had the following: Project Lead Account Manager 1 Frontend Developer 1 Database Developer 1 Graphics Designer

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have gotten very overwhelming good feedback that actually has resulted in a good increase in revenue.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The communication was very smooth which included: Emails, Telephone Calls, and weekly project briefings.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The company has a very good, experienced, and professional team. We are still amazed by them.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None I could think of right now.