GrayCyan

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a Toronto-based consulting firm that provides branding and marketing solutions for companies in the B2B tech and professional services spaces.

We help B2B companies to stand out in a competitive market and increase sales from their niches.

Areas of expertise:

Brand strategy, positioning, messaging, value proposition development, market research, strategy development, marketing/campaign plan development, copywriting, content development

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What business challenge were you trying to address with the vendor?

Our client ShutterLux had commissioned a developer to build the company website. We were responsible for the web architecture, webpage wireframe proposals, and web copywriting. Unfortunately, the developer built the first website using HTML/CSS, which made it impossible to iterate and update the content. As such, we needed to find a way to rebuild the website on WordPress that would make it mobile-friendly, responsive, and easy for us to update the content on a regular basis.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

GrayCyan took on this case as a “rescue project”. They took the existing design, made some good improvements, and added some necessary features that made the website more functional as well as user-friendly.

What is the team composition?

There was a project manager who was the main point of contact, a project coordinator, a designer, and 1-2 developers.

How did you come to work with the vendor?

I’ve been good friends with their Business Development Director for many years. He’s also provided me with great and useful advice regarding my own company’s website, and we’ve always been trying to keep a lookout for potential opportunities to work together.

What is the status of this engagement?

The new website has been launched, therefore the project has been completed.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

1. They always provided thorough updates during the weekly status calls.
2. They were generally quick to provide solutions if we ran into technical or functionality issues, and if they couldn’t provide a solution immediately, they would get someone on their development team to reach out to me with an answer.
3. If they didn’t agree with something we said or briefed them on, they would provide alternatives instead of simply saying “We can’t do that”, which I highly appreciated.

How did the vendor perform from a project management standpoint?

Their performance was in line with our expectations. Every interaction and/or feedback was carefully documented on Asana, where the work was split into tasks based on the web pages.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were very accommodating to our requests and provided some options or solutions when we encountered problems during the development phase of the project.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Some parts of the project could’ve been completed a bit faster.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the owner of a catering company that serves the Greater Toronto Area with e-commerce order placement.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire GrayCyan?

Our e-commerce site was facing technical issues and had been infected with malware.

SOLUTION

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

I had previously been in touch with the GrayCyan team about a year ago and consulted them for a project. I revisited their company's website when my site was infected with malware and decided to select them to work on ongoing IT solutions. The GrayCyan sales team is pleasant to interact with and is quite informative. The onboarding process was seamless and thorough. This ultimately finalized my decision.

Describe the project in detail and walk through their service package.

GrayCyan made sure to provide a detailed proposal that outlined all services to remove the malware and additional options that were available to me for IT solutions. This included firewall protection, hosting migration, among others. Once I purchased my selected package, I was glad to receive ongoing updates and deliverance within expected timelines.

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

Armand, the Head of Sales was the initial point of contact in order to identify next steps and cost of the project. I then worked with CEO and Founder, Nishkam who has been working closely in developing tech solutions to improve our website.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Within a week, the team had my website back up and continuously is working on improving any discrepancies that arise. They provide great feedback and consultation in order to understand my goals throughout the process.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

I am able to receive to correspondence on a daily basis if the need arises. Their team is quick and efficient in communicating which is great to experience. I had a few zoom calls to discuss progress and always receive transparency from the GrayCyan team.

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

Having a team that is efficient and can assess IT requirements quickly is relieving. I also appreciate their upfront service packages that are cost-effective and solution based.

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

My experience thus far has been immensely positive. I look forward to continuing working with GrayCyan to improve our e-commerce site and online presence.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a fresh pasta producer in Toronto. I am the General Manager.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire GrayCyan?

Our company needed a new site to better convey our current offerings to the general public.

SOLUTION

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

We approached multiple companies with our challenge. GrayCyan provided the most efficient as well as cost effective solution.

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

We started with a discovery meeting, after which they returned with a few layout options. Once layouts were agreed upon we moved on to design. We were very picky and they did a great job of addressing all of our concerns. It took longer than initially expected, but eventually the final product really worked for us.

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

We worked with 4 people including Founder and CEO, Projects Lead, Project Manager, and Lead Software Engineer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It's a much better site that better reflects our current business. It also brings together our online sales platforms, Ritual and Shopify, to create a cohesive online presence.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We did everything over zoom, and it worked very well. All of our feedback was well received, and the proper efforts were made to address all of our concerns.

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

They were great to work with. Very positive meetings and very responsive to our needs.

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

Things could have been faster. That being said, the final products speaks for itself.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a business development / territory manager with a medium sized manufacturing concern based in southern Ohio.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire GrayCyan?

Our website looked as though it dated back to the internet 1.0 era. We wanted something that gave a basic presentation of the services we offered and the ability to submit a simple job application online. But, we didn't want to be over equipped with too many bells & whistles that didn't fit our needs.

SOLUTION

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

We submitted a few inquiries to various design firms and heard their pitches. Many other companies wanted to sell us more website than what we needed. GrayCyan's sales team seemed to understand our needs and were happy to accommodate.

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

We had an initial discovery session to outline my company's needs in greater detail. I had already started a very rudimentary page that I wanted to use as a guideline. I also shared pages from a few other companies that demonstrated what our firm was looking for. From there, I submitted media to use on the site to GrayCyan's team. They started doing design mock-ups prior to the programming phase. I believe we went through three design mock-ups before programming began. Once programming started we went through three or so other rounds of revisions. Finally, we got the site launched then went through a punch list of some smaller details that were outstanding.

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

I worked with about five people from GrayCyan from inception to completion. First, I worked with a member of the sales team, then a member of the design team, then a member of the programming team, and finally with another member of the programming team who launched the site and ironed out any outstanding details for us.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The ultimate outcome is that we have a new website that looks great. We're able to receive basic job application submissions without having prospective employees come in person to pick up an application. The new site demonstrates our capabilities and shows our services, without offering more product than we needed.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Workflow was good. Most everyone on GrayCyan's team could be counted on to respond in 24 hours. I honestly fell behind on submitting some of the details they needed from me once or twice, but they offered gentle reminders that got me back on track. They were willing to schedule calls when needed, and kept me apprised of their progress.

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

There was admittedly brief slowdown toward the end of the project when a member of their programming team either left or was let go from the company. Another member of GreyCyan's team stepped right up and took over the remainder of the project and fast-tracked completion.

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

Not really. We're satisfied overall and appreciate GrayCyan going above and beyond to make sure we were satisfied with what we received.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner and CEO of a tutoring company based in the GTA that specializes in tutoring and education consulting services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our website was created a few years back by a freelancer. Eventually, the website coding started glitching and everything became misaligned. With little to no experience of coding ourselves, we couldn't fix it. Our website was not only unfunctional. but it also looked unprofessional and we wouldn't to create a new image.

SOLUTION

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

We reached out to the team at Grey Cyan and their expert team proposed a variety of solutions. We were able to find a product that fit our budget. I had known the team prior to this project because of our working together on another project, but originally I had found them through their positive reviews on Clutch.

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

Grey Cyan is a very client-oriented organization. They take the time to listen to your wants and needs and execute their projects from there. They started with a proposal first outlining the cost of our project, and from there, the development process commenced. Throughout the development process, they reached out to us frequently with updates.

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

The project manager and the design team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our website has now been revamped and we could not be happier with Grey Cyan's work.

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

The project management style was very hands-on. The team was in frequent conversation via Email and Zoom with myself and my partner me about the changes they were making to the project. The project was completed on time and followed the proposal we were given.

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

What I admire most about Grey Cyan is they not only deliver on a technical level, but they are willing to listen to their clients and work with them. It is the intangibles that make this company great. Everyone on the team is personable and committed.

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

No.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Lung Cancer Canada is Canada's largest organization devoted specifically to lung cancer patients and research. My role is three fold, providing support with marketing, website content, and government outreach.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We wanted to create an online platform that provides a memorial space for community members that have passed from lung cancer. Our goal was to resemble our physical grove of trees located in Toronto, ON, in a way that mimicked the serenity and calmness of the project, in an online format.

SOLUTION

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

We had searched through several larger web developers who did not think the project was viable in our time frame. By reaching out to smaller companies, we were hoping to connecting with one that understood our values and ideas.

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

There was a tight timeline for this project. After connecting with Armand and Nish, we were confident in their ability to work with our goals. We submitted our key features list and met with their designers who has various ideas of how to bring our vision to life.

Over the short time frame, they were regularly available, asked lots of questions, and made sure to get regular and meaningful feedback.

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

We really enjoyed working with their team. Their business developer Armand, provided great insight to their operations, and Nish was able to give us a deeper look in to their full capabilities. When the project was confirmed, Nish kept regular contact, and we met with a designer and a coder to really bring the project into fruition.

The team was incredibly personable, and asked thoughtful questions that demonstrated their goal to create our perfect site.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The 2 week timeframe was very tight, but the team at Greyscan delivered a stunning product that exceeded our expectations.

Although we had a vision of what we wanted, the designer was able to go above and beyond and create the serene, and calm energy that we wanted the site to emit. I cannot thank Shrutika and Lorna enough for their cooperation and flexibility in creating this project.

As we launched the site to our immediate community, we have received only positive feedback, we hope to expand the site in the future with the Greyscan team.

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

Frequent and thoughtful communication, good questions, regular feedback with a wonderful comment tool. The team was constantly available for questions and concerns. Changes were made promptly and I truly appreciate their commitment to the project considering the very short time frame.

The expectations of the relationship were clear, and the team was impactful.

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

The level of professionalism and commitment was refreshing and genuine. We are a small company as well, and Greyscan really took the time to understand our own constraints and our needs for this project. I was very impressed by their overall flexibility and the transparent communication.

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

Considering the constraints of the project, I have no critiques for how they conducted their work! They understood the project, and were very vocal for feedback to move forward. I appreciate their determination to complete this project in the short period of time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the business architect of a home renovation company that offers general contracting services and retail services out of our 13,000 sqft showroom.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired GrayCyan to convert our independently developed and outdated website into a wordpress site for easier maintenance and integration with other platforms.

SOLUTION

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

I searched online for wordpress development shops and GrayCyan was one of the few that came up locally. Their deciding factor was their value oriented budget and good reviews.

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

Kick-off meeting to discuss deliverables which were an exact copy of our site with some minor modifications and optimizations, and the addition of a 3D visualizer in the form of an iframe.

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

2 people worked with me on the project from the vendor, the company owner and the sales manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The redesign is easier on the eyes and has a simpler UX which is ideal for our target market. The end result is what we were expecting.

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

Their project management style was heavy on email communication. Tools used were exclusively gmail and cell calls/texts. Timeliness of communication was acceptable.

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

The owner took time after delivery to show me how to maintain the site and gave me a well organized HTML code to work with for future maintenance. Every concern was addressed and followed up on.

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

Areas of improvement could include some form of use of project management tools with the client, such as a checklist through Jira, so that there is better organization of communication throughout the project instead of relying on texts and emails.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm owner and director of imports - Exports Company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Creation of 3 web sites {one of them e commerce website}. We are beginners in Canada ontario business we had already all the file graphics with an excellent french company in Indinesia.

SOLUTION

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

We sortlist 4 developers from our online searches. Gray -Cyan had nice people.frendly, young and cost estimate near to our budget and on the past projects.

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

We had a meeting to discuss the project.goals,objectives andour graphic image. We choose WordPress for our 3 websites.

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

A project manager and developer, 1full stack developer, 1 video derveloper, 1 technisian for the email addresses,

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Do to the COVID-19 we slowed down the project and just completed them we don't have yet the site traffic, client opinions or suggestions.

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

we work very well with them on zoom meetings, email, and on the phone.

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

Courtesy.

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

They always made themselves available to help us.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the general manager at a custom cabinetry company. We provide designs for the home and office as well as manufacture all products.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire GrayCyan?

Our website was a bit out dated and we wanted a new fresh look.

SOLUTION

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

We did quite a bit of research on which firm we wanted to use. Read a lot of reviews and spoke to a few companies. I was happy with the reviews from Gray Cyan and when I spoke to them, it made me feel very confident in our choice.

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

After a few idea and concept meetings, we were presented with a design that was beautiful and very close to what we were looking for. Some changes and tweaks were made, and some back and forth (mostly on my part as I was undecided on a few aspects).

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

We worked with 6 people, founder & CEO, head of sales and business development, lead software engineer, project coordinator, graphic designer and our project lead.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

A design centre was created for us and it is working out quite well with out clients.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Workflow was good, there was some back and forth, but we seemed to always work out any kinks. Our meetings were always fun and productive.

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

We were impressed with their professionalism and patience.

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

We would say that when providing our feedback, or changes we wanted to be made, some were missed, or forgotten. That being said, it was made very clear to us that our satisfaction was very important to them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

FlyFishDaBahamas.com is the official intermediary website for the fly fishing industry of The Bahamas. I am the founder of this website.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire GrayCyan?

We hired them to design our website.

SOLUTION

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

We found them by searching on google. We saw their reviews then called them. Had a pleasant conversation and they said that they would be willing to work with our budget. did an excellent if i might add.

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

We needed a website designed with a Bahamian identity. They whole purpose of the website is to connect those that enjoy the sport of flyfishing with the best guides, Lodges and Air B&B's throughout The Bahamas. They were patient and kind all through the process, taking in every detail we expressed about our industry, Logo, Pictures, Content etc.

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

There must have been a total of 4 People that worked with us in the process. someone helped with the content. someone helped with the media. Someone helped with colors and someone helped with training

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Everyone in the industry is excited about this website. This is huge for our industry and as a result we're about to launch a major campaign on all major social media platforms

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

very effective

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

They have a willingness to work with us and our budget. They're very flexible and responsive.

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

No that I see. to be honest, their service was exceptional