J.O. Agency

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Downton Cowtown at the Isis, a historic theater.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with J.O.?

We’re a brand new company and there are a lot of eyes on what we’re doing and how we’re doing it. We wanted to make sure we had the right company to help us streamline, strengthen, and maximize the impact of our message for the community at large.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First, they’ve helped us streamline our message. Secondly, they act as a support system that helps with our sponsorships, publicity, social media, and other needs. They help with all of our PR needs. They’ve made recommendations for our website, so we’re prioritizing how to best maximize changes for our company. 

The website isn’t one of our top priorities, so we’re leaning on them heavily for other tasks involving sponsorships. They’re working to position us in the marketplace to pick up the most sponsorships since there is an extensive amount that we’re looking at. 

Since I have a lot of my plate, I rely on them to establish foundational relationships with any level of sponsorships for our organization. We’ve had several rounds of discussions to ensure they have the full picture to give to potential sponsors.

For social media efforts, we focus on primarily organic efforts. They are working to establish our footprint there since we’re brand new. We’re taking a crescendo approach, where we will increase spend as we go. Currently, they’re responsible for everything that goes on our social media. 

What is the team composition?

I have a primary point of contact, Dana (Senior Marketing Strategist), but I also work with 2–3 others in their office. I’ve worked with a social media specialist and others as needed. Jennifer (Owner) has also been crucial with what we’re trying to do. 

How did you come to work with J.O.?

Firstly, we were adamant about making sure we hired someone local. We wanted someone who was part of the community, connected to it, and understands our mission, vision, and values to build on that structure. 

J.O. was one of several companies I researched, and they kept popping up at the top of the list for all of the expectations I was looking for. I looked online, other companies work, and sharing our core values. We wanted to make sure the company was dedicated to supporting our community, and they were top of the list with that, too. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve worked together since October 2019 and our engagement is ongoing. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve spent over $30,000 at this point and we’re contracted up to $50,000. We’re paying a certain amount every month but we’re going to increase as we get closer to our launch. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The groundwork that they’ve laid has ensured we have everything thought out. The foundational creation of the sponsorship package has been significantly impactful since we have a multi-purpose live entertainment facility that ranges from movies to bars and VIP space. Their team is spot-on with their assessment of approaching each type of opportunity our space offers. 

Their assessment and ideas probably saved me six months of work and money so that was extremely helpful. The work they’ve delivered is very strong and they have the right approach. Their expertise and connections play a strong connection in how we publicly develop what we do. 

How did J.O. perform from a project management standpoint?

Most of what they’re doing right now is effective—they have a good strategy in place. Communication-wise, they’re very strong. They’re clear and instructional on their design and approach, which is important for our success. 

Dana manages our communication and activities with the rest of the team. Since our efforts are going to grow over time, I feel very comfortable being able to pick up the phone and call Dana. If I have a question, she can take care of it without batting an eye.

They’re very helpful and supportive from that standpoint. They don’t pressure or push for different things and are willing to work at my pace, which other companies aren’t like. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their sense of community and the way they treat every client at a very humanistic level is great. It isn’t just a numbers game for them. They view my success as their success, so we very much have a partnership. They are very supportive of the clients they have.

As a business owner, it’s very easy to get caught up in the quagmire of hiring someone to create a publicity strategy and end up spending a lot of money on air and not getting the most bang for your buck. I’ve found myself in that situation before, paying for a service with zero return. With J.O., I know the return is coming and will be significant because of our relationship and my confidence in their ability to accomplish everything so far. 

They work directly with me, as opposed to telling me what I need. They don’t come from a perspective of having superiority over the process. We have a very collaborative relationship that is far more supportive of my voice in the process. If I don’t understand the reasoning for something, they sit down with me and see what makes the most sense. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

If I had to be extremely critical, I’d ask how we could make our social media efforts a more aggressive game and take it to an active, engaging process. I’m always looking for things to be better and stronger, so there are certain things that could be done more aggressively with social media. 

I’ve made it clear I’m not an expert in that area, but it feels like a very easy and free area of the marketplace that we could be taking to a higher level. They know better than I do and we’re moving in the right direction, though. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Meet them face-to-face. Listen to what they have to offer and how they can connect to your business. Understand that they have patience and a genuine desire to help you grow and build, and it could be lost over text or email. In person, you’ll be more empowered to make the right decision and choose them.