Direct Objective Consulting

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the SVP of administration for an IT services firm. We build custom applications and custom solutions for Fortune 500 companies and large organizations in the US, Canada, and internationally.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Direct Objective Consulting?

We approached them to help us develop a pre-business plan analysis of four opportunities that we had. Before investing and going further, we wanted to evaluate our options, and if we decided to move forward, prioritize what we needed to move forward with the engagement.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Gil (Principal) arranged to have a kickoff meeting where each executive member presented an opportunity. We sent them information on each opportunity and the market. We gave them data and from there, they conducted high-level research in a structured format. 

Finally, we had a follow-up meeting for them to present their findings and make recommendations. It was a very quick process that involved the whole team. 

When we entered into the process, we had, in fact, three opportunities, but we decided to throw in a fourth one mid-way through, so we extended the scope to analyze and bring in that fourth opportunity. They were able to turn around quite quickly to get the results all together at the end.

What is the team composition?

We primarily worked with Gil and one of the researchers.

How did you come to work with Direct Objective Consulting?

They came recommended by someone in my network. We liked the idea of working with them because if we decided to go forward with any of the ideas after the research phase, then they would be able to also accompany us up to the marketing strategy and so on. 

We spoke to Gil on the phone initially for a good while. I was happy with what I heard, and the approach was very flexible. He was tailoring his offering to what we needed.  

What is the status of this engagement?

We started with them on this project at the end of November 2020, and we finished in early January 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our objective in this was to help us make the right decision. They were successful in engaging our executive committee and understanding our needs. They gained the confidence and trust of our team by showing expertise and knowledge.

Their ability to do high-level research and present the information clearly was also good. In the end, we decided not to go forward with any of the opportunities. Everyone agreed that was the decision we needed to make. 

How did Direct Objective Consulting perform from a project management standpoint?

It went well. It was a shorter project, and we wanted a quick answer and didn’t want to spend months doing this. The project took about five weeks to do, which is what I expected. They did a great job.

We used email and Zoom meetings. It was efficient. Gil was available for calls when we needed to give him new information.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re able to understand concepts, grasp them quickly, and ask the right questions. Gil has both a technical and marketing background and the whole team is very knowledgeable.

Gil is straightforward. He helps make the right decisions because he isn’t there to manage emotions. He has the confidence to state his recommendations clearly and objectively.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Nothing comes to mind.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We believe that feedback matters. From students in higher education to employees at the workplace, feedback is a vital part of the lifelong learner’s journey.

That’s why our mission is to help organizations create a personalized journey of impact and fulfillment for their people through innovative Journey Analytics solutions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Direct Objective Consulting?

We have had a long standing relationship with Direct Objective in devising our key market positioning, and communication strategy.

Direct Objective has been instrumental in helping us navigate the complex world of B2B software positioning, analyst communication strategy, and PR needs.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal is to create our space in the B2B software arena, and to bring to light our achievement, innovation and market recognition.

SOLUTION

How did you select Direct Objective Consulting?

We had researched early on for a PR firm that could support us strategically, and not necessarily just from a communication, brand and visibility standpoint.

We needed a firm that can have a radical impact on our positioning in the market, and one that can have the depth needed to understand where we are heading and actually add tangible value in the story we end up telling.

From those firms we assessed, Direct Objective was the firm we ended up feeling could deliver the most on the strategic level.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

• Market positioning
• Messaging
• PR campaigns
• Analyst relations

What was the team composition?

About 3 to 4

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since we engaged with Direct Objectives, and with their guidance, we have positioned our offering and trailblazed the Experience Management space. We have received numerous coverage by media and visibility to influential analysts in the industry.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow between the teams was fluid, and we had access to everyone whenever we needed to.

Many times we found ourselves to be the bottlenecks as they continued to push, and help, us cement out marketing positioning strategies and its implementation.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They are very strategic, and they bring in a wealth of deep expertise in the B2B space to assist any ambitious business that aspires to playing with the big leagues.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I believe that we may have gotten more of our relationship with Direct Objectives if they pressured us further in finding our footing, and structure around the strategic initiatives they set in place for us.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a project management firm for the IT and telecom industry. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Direct Objective Consulting?

We needed help with web development and digital marketing services. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Direct Objective Consulting first built a website for the company. The team created content and help with the first few files and products we created at the time. They then performed projects involving market research and lead generation. We worked together to develop strategies about how to present ourselves to the market and what niche we fit in.

What is the team composition?

We worked with Gil (Principal, Direct Objective Consulting) and two assistants of his.

How did you come to work with Direct Objective Consulting?

I worked with Gil through a friend. They had used his services and recommended him.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked from about 2009 until 2013.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were very pleased with Direct Objective Consulting’s results, approach, and strategy. I think Gil is a professional who’s very knowledgeable and creative with his ideas. The deliverables were always on time, within budget, and of good quality.

How did Direct Objective Consulting perform from a project management standpoint?

We worked well together. Some of the proposals he submitted had too-high budgets, so we couldn’t go always go with their full services. But Gil was very clear and direct, showing great communication skills. We met in person a few times and spoke over the phone.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Direct Objective Consulting is very client-focused. Gil specifically will go out of his way to please the client with his strategy, wishes, and concerns. I was very happy to work with him.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything right now.

Any advice for potential customers?

Get the budget in advance so that you don’t take on proposals that exceed your budget.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

The Credit Institute of Canada is nonprofit professional association that was created by a Special Act of Parliament of the government of Canada in 1928. Our core mandate is to protect and grow the wealth of Canadian businesses by training credit professionals.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Direct Objective Consulting?

We worked with Direct Objective Consulting to raise awareness and generate leads about our organization to prospective members and students.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to recruit new members and students in our educational programs.

SOLUTION

How did you select Direct Objective Consulting?

After reading about the good work they did with another nonprofit organization.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

They did research on our industry, consulted with existing members and designed and implemented a marketing plan to achieve our objectives. They took care of our social media paid ads, conducted 2 direct mail campaigns, followed up with prospects via telemarketing and also reviewed our website for SEO.

What was the team composition?

We dealt directly with the president most of time. From time to time, we also had interactions with other team members.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We worked with DO for 2 years and at about prospect list grew by 3,000 leads as a result of their activities.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was very easy and smooth working directly with the president and other team members.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The team's expertise was of an excellent caliber.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not sure.