Fleur de Lis Communications

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of marketing and new business at a custom software and app development firm. We specialize in mobile and web app development for medium to large-sized businesses. I handle content creation and manage anything that arises out of our marketing and sales work.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Fleur de Lis Communications?

We had a goal to improve brand awareness in the area, and we succeeded at that, but the next phase was trying to increase our available leads from companies that fit our ideal customer profile. This included medium-sized businesses that were looking to build innovative technologies. 

We were hitting a roadblock because we weren’t getting anyone in that customer profile. We hired Fleur de Lis Communications to help us figure out what we could update to improve what we were putting in front of potential customers from the marketing and sales perspective.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had a discovery phase where they got up to speed on how we did all of our marketing, how we scheduled everything, how we planned things out, and overall what our long-term strategies were. We shared documentation and processes, and Fleur de Lis Communications did a lot upfront to figure out who we were and what we did. At that point, they built out a proposal of how we could adapt what we were doing to better serve those qualified businesses. 

The plan was broken down into four strategies: refining our messaging and themes across everything, content opportunities, paid media, and client outreach. 

Fleur de Lis Communications refined our message across social media, our website, and all of our collateral; they went through everything and gave us tips and pointers. In terms of content opportunities, the first part of that phase focused on social media and prioritizing the content we were posting. We wanted to make sure that we were posting content that qualified businesses wanted to see. The second phase focused on media opportunities like events we could attend or sponsor, and groups we could join. The third phase involved thought leadership and engaging in topics our ideal customer profiles would find interesting.  

Fleur de Lis Communications build out a paid media plan that we executed which included Google Ads. Client outreach involved strategies for clients we’d previously worked with to see if they had other projects in place, and reaching out to clients we hadn’t worked with previously. Fleur de Lis Communications came up with the best way to strategize around that and track and document the ROI of those interactions. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with Bill (Co-Founder & President), Zak (Strategist), Tara (Co-Founder & Strategic Partner), Taylor (Partner), and Meg (Digital Strategist). 

How did you come to work with Fleur de Lis Communications?

They were a referral. 

How much have you invested with them?

We invested around $25,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

The project we worked on lasted from May–December 2022. We are keeping them on a monthly retainer. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

One of the goals of our first project was to increase our following on LinkedIn; they more than doubled our following, and did it before we had initially planned to. These are followers that are engaging with us and leaving comments. 

How did Fleur de Lis Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

They were actually under budget by the end of the first project. Fleur de Lis Communications has been really good about making sure we have everything early, and very rarely do they turn anything in late. In terms of communication, they’ve been really good about emailing whenever something needs to be brought to our attention. If there’s an emergency or they need something urgently, they reach out right away. 

We use Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams,  phone calls, and emails for communication. We use Google Drive for project management. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re willing to above and beyond, and they did a great job of digging deep into who we are and what we do. Fleur de Lis Communications has helped us to share our message with people and talk to them without sounding fake. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

If we’re being incredibly nitpicky, they could expand their marketing offerings. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

When they ask questions, explain more than you need to because that’s how they find the story behind your company.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the executive director of the Whitney/Strong Organization. Our mission is to reduce gun deaths across the US. We try to find common ground to end gun violence through data-driven, responsible gun ownership solutions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Fleur de Lis Communications?

We were trying to share our mission and work with a broader audience. As a small organization, we didn’t have peer support. We wanted consistent support so our message could reach beyond our subscriber database.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Fleur de Lis Communications has worked with us to see which pieces of our work could be good stories to amplify through media, such as magazines, interviews, news, and TV series. They prep us for interviews; they talk us through the questions that will come up and what would be the best answers in a particular setting. Additionally, they handle a lot of the communication before interviews, so we don’t have to go back and forth with the people at the news station or the team involved.

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with Taylor (Partner) and Bill (Co-Founder & President).

How did you come to work with Fleur de Lis Communications?

They were selected by the Community Foundation of Louisville to amplify the mission and work of Louisville’s nonprofits for an upcoming online giving day. We were one of the organizations selected, so we got to know them through that first opportunity. Then, we asked them if they could support us in the future. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $3,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began our relationship with them in August 2022, and it’s still ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We don’t have any quantifiable data available; we don’t have access to any reporting that shows how many views we’ve had with any interview. Our satisfaction is tied to our relationship with them and how well they support us. They prepare us well for the interviews, anticipating the potential question that might come our way.

How did Fleur de Lis Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicate through email, video conferencing, phone calls, and texts.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They come with us for the interviews, which is notable because we do business outside Louisville, so they’re willing to travel for us. We also appreciate the products they’ve given us. They’ve made incredible video compilations of different events, such as our Night Life gala and our day of remembrance.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We’d like to see metrics so that when an interview is completed, we can have something to measure it against.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana, a Louisville, KY nonprofit that provides a home away from home for families of seriously ill children when they must travel to Louisville to seek healthcare.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Fleur de Lis Communications, and what were your goals?

Our organization hired Fleur de Lis Communications to lead our PR and marketing efforts in 2020, and that work is ongoing.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We used community contacts to identify several local firms capable of doing the work. Fleur de Lis' principals, Tara Goode and Bill Shory, had extensive previous experience, as well as an affinity for the work our organization does.

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

They began by learning our current/recent PR and marketing efforts, and their results. Then, they worked with our team to identify opportunities grow awareness and education about our organization and its mission. Then, they presented an annual plan and budget. The deliverables are multi-faceted and include, but are not limited to: social media, press releases, PR event planning and management, as well as marketing planning and buying.

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

We work primarily with Bill Shory (Co-Founder/President) and Taylor Durden (Partner/Content Strategist), with occasional support from 2-3 other team members.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since working with FDLC, we have significantly increased our social media presence and traditional media exposure. This has raised our overall awareness in the community, resulting in record-breaking revenue generation, allowing us to continue and grow our mission amidst significant challenges, like COVID and inflation.

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

Our team has weekly meetings with FDLC, where project status updates are shared and future strategy is discussed. Also, via email, Slack and phone, their is nearly daily communication between our team and FDLC.

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

FDLC took the time to learn our organization, including challenges and opportunities. Their plan and strategies were tailored for our needs - they did NOT take a "cookie-cutter" approach. Their team members are very nimble and can swiftly pivot when conditions change.

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

We work regularly with Fleur de Lis and our other partners on continuous improvement strategies, and they are very responsive. No specific areas of improvement, as FDLC is working constantly on delivering top notch service and results.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Director of Asset Management for a multifamily developer based in Franklin, TN. We build apartment communities throughout the southeast with a focus on providing an elevated living experience for our residents.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Fleur de Lis Communications, and what were your goals?

We were opening a multi-million dollar development in a suburb of Louisville, KY. In addition to general PR, we hired Fleur de Lis to help with building a direct link between our development and the master-planned community we were joining. They also facilitated relationships with three local artists and managed the design process of three unique art pieces showcased at our development.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

The vendor was selected after they were highly recommended by a firm we use in another market. After our initial meeting, we knew they would be an excellent fit for this project.

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

They began the project specifically focusing on our goals and objectives for the community both with public relations and to incorporate local artists into our communities theme.

From there, the scope of work evolved and included connecting and overseeing our involvement with two annual art fairs, a publication detailing the background of the artists we engaged as well as the meaning behind the sculptures they created, producing a magazine that detailed our community and the lifestyle of the master planned community, and planning and executing an open house for community members which included the retail partners who would be operating in our building.

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

We worked directly with the President and one of the firm's Partners on this project. On other projects, we have also worked with the firm's Strategist and Digital Strategist.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Working with Fleur de Lis, we were able to establish an excellent relationship with the neighborhood and the board of the association. Additionally, their efforts helped us lease 75% of the community resulting in a profitable sale. Their connections helped us engage with the master-planned community and Louisville. We were featured in several prominent local publications during their time on the project.

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

We had weekly and/or bi-weekly meetings to discuss the status of the project depending on the work-load during each specific phase. We also communicated via email, phone, and text as needed. Communication was always timely and efficient.

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

They truly catered to our needs and were willing to collaborate with us and successfully execute projects that were the first of their kind in their portfolio. They truly cared about helping us achieve our goals and took genuine pride in the outcome. We felt like they were a part of our team and as a result have engaged with them on projects outside their home market.

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

No, they accept feedback very well, and any changes that needed to be made were made as part of the process.