Paragon Sales Solutions

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a Christian charity that works with young people.

What challenges were you trying to address with Paragon Sales Solutions?

We were making a strategic change of direction and wanted support with a marketing campaign.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They ran a 10-week social media campaign for us. They shot videos of me talking about the company’s work and posted them on Facebook. 

In addition to the project, they’ve supported our organization through fundraising and sponsorship. The CEO has done several charity bike rides and such. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with Rob (Founder). 

How did you come to work with Paragon Sales Solutions?

Rob was in the youth group that I ran when he was younger. We kept in touch over the years, so when I needed help with marketing, I went straight to him. 

How much have you invested in them?

They did the work pro bono. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in the summer of 2019, and it took place over a 10-week period.

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

Our views went through the roof. We also got positive feedback on the quality of the posts. It’s difficult for me to say if there were any direct results because, as a charity, we don’t track metrics like ROI. The work raised our profile. Our engagement went up about 1500%. 

How did Paragon Sales Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

Their communication was exceptional. They checked in with us at every step of the way and were accommodating about making changes. They’re flexible and always hit deadlines. We didn’t have to do much work; they took care of everything. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have a can-do attitude, and nothing is too much trouble for them. They’re optimistic and trustworthy. They go above and beyond what you ask of them. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

From my point of view, there is nothing they need to improve. 

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of a paraplanning company. We deliver technology-driven services to financial advisors.

What challenge were you trying to address with Paragon Sales Solutions?

We engaged them in telemarketing to see if we could generate some interest in our business.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Paragon Sales Solutions essentially found some data for us which was based on profiles regarding the sort of businesses we wanted to target. We went through that data to filter out any duplicates or leads we’d already contacted. Then, we brought on some of their staff to call those businesses, explain our software, and then offer them a solution. If there was any interest, then, they followed up with more information. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with Rob (Managing Sales Director) and Emily (Telemarketing Specialist).

How did you come to work with Paragon Sales Solutions?

I met Emily on a group calling initiative which was set up to allow businesses to do some networking, share challenges, and help each other out. So Emily told me what she did and thought it was something that could be useful to us, so she agreed to do some work for us.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested £650–£700 (approximately $900–$1,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in October and the partnership ended in November 2020.

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

Their work helped us get through 200 or so businesses that could potentially be interested in our services. To be honest, the campaign wasn’t particularly successful, but I don’t necessarily think it was their fault. I think it was just that many of the firms we contacted had their own equivalent solutions in place and didn’t want to change. 

We only had two leads from them really. One resulted in a meeting and one brought in some business but hasn’t yielded very much. It wasn’t a good fit for us in the end with all things considered. We are still in touch with them and it was valuable to make contact with all of these companies and actually get our name out there.

How did Paragon Sales Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

They performed well in terms of meeting deadlines. After each day’s work, they sent me a list of what they had to say with any notes that were appropriate that they made throughout the calls. There was an automated follow-up every time somebody had requested information so that I could essentially send them the details through email straight away rather than have to wait until the end of the day or end of the week.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I haven’t worked with any other telemarketers before so I’m not really sure.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t think of anything that they should change.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be clear about what it is you want your message to be that they’re putting out there. Think of any potential comebacks or questions that could be issued. They’re working on behalf of your own brand and own company so it is important to prepare them, despite potentially not having any knowledge in your industry. Equip them to be able to sound as knowledgeable and as useful as possible.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a sole trader and run a small company making and selling luxury chocolates. I do everything!

For what projects/services did your company hire Paragon Sales Solutions?

To generate, put into place and run a new marketing strategy - specifically using social media and including videography

What were your goals for this project?

To switch reliance of sales from covid-cancelled, physical markets and events to my website through the use of social media to raise awareness of my company and it's products

How did you select Paragon Sales Solutions?

I approached a number of local marketing companies and spoke to each about what they could offer me in terms of service and price and considered how that related to what I had in mind for the project.

It was also important to me that I got on well with them and that we spoke the same language. I was also looking for what further ideas they could inject into the partnership. This is a partnership where ideas are made to be shared and developed.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

To raise awareness of my brand on social media - Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Twitter, You Tube through regular, scheduled posts each week on each platform. There would also be scheduled email campaigns. This would be achieved using material generated from videography work supplied by Incite who already work closely with paragon Sales.

This material is a mix of long films, short, social clips (Instagram Reels) and photography to be used to promote my product through key chocolate 'events - Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Easter - and to key customer groups, corporates, wholesale as well as individuals purchasing via the website.

Posts would be created and scheduled support the filmed work in a strategy to approach key events and customer groups

What was the team composition?

Rob Spence and Chloe Grantham

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

The work so far has resulted in breaking through the milestone of the first 1,000 Instagram followers. The only real and demonstrable link between this marketing activity and sales is in terms of sales that have followed the email campaigns where it is possible to see repeat customer from people who have bought from the website before.

It is notoriously hard to link social media activity to sales. However going forward by setting up the new Instagram shop, it is hoped that there will be a visible audit trail leading from Instagram to website sales - and then we can identify what works and what doesn't with certainty and change things accordingly.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We drive the pace of work through regular (weekly) meetings and the use of a spreadsheet that records each activity - how actions are progressing, and when they are complete as well as introducing new items as new ideas are explored.

Each person therefore knows what they are responsible for and when their items are due to support the delivery of the tasks and these are discussed at each meeting.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I love their enthusiasm for my products and ideas for generating and building brand awareness on different platforms. Willingness to explore new ideas with me and this is important in a world which is changing so rapidly - both due to covid which requires regular 'pivoting' and with social media generally.

Are there any areas for improvement?

While we were starting out on our relationship, I sensed some frustration - on both sides - as we were discovering how each of us work. I felt that on occasions some of the things that we discussed and ideas tabled weren't actually being carried out. There were some items also where the attention to detail was lacking.

However we now work very well together and understand each other. The spreadsheet table of actions helps us structure our work together and drives the pace. The fact that our weekly meetings are now much shorter than they were also indicates to me that things are working in both directions better now.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and owner of LM Clinical. We provide medical-grade skincare that combats and treats problematic skin like acne, pigmentation, aging, and general pick-me-ups for people looking after their skin. There is also the aesthetic side of it, including botox and fillers. 

What challenge were you trying to address with Paragon Sales Solutions?

I hired them for general marketing support to get us up off the ground. We wanted to reach a bigger clientele and get more clients in general. I’d only started the business in January 2020, so then COVID-19 happened right after and we haven’t massively progressed. I’d worked with a previous marketing company but they weren’t very good, either. 

What was the scope of their involvement?

They’ve helped us in how to target the right audience and make suggestions for how to best achieve a better audience with our marketing. They show us where to pitch and how to draw the right audience in. Everything is done by them, including producing the content and placing it for us. They send me a preview of the content before putting it out there so I can ask for any changes I’d like to see. 

What is the team composition?

I work with two people from their team, including the director and Chloe (Digital Marketer). 

How did you come to work with Paragon Sales Solutions?

We followed a referral from a friend who had previously worked with them and really recommended their services. We looked at some of Paragon Sales Solutions' previous work, too. When we rang them, we found them really approachable, so we thought we’d give them a try and they haven’t let me down so far.

How much have you invested with them?

I pay them £260 (approximately $357 USD) per month. In total, that’s been £520 (approximately $714 USD). 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in December 2020 and our work is ongoing. We have a monthly engagement.

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

In the two months that we’ve been working together, they’ve probably had more of an impact than the previous marketing company I was with for six months. In their first month, they increased our reach by 18% on social media, including Facebook and Instagram. They increased our views on Instagram by over 1,000. 

How did Paragon Sales Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

They ring us generally every 2–3 weeks to touch base, so they’re good about that. We also have a WhatsApp group to constantly keep in touch. We have calls to review our progress, make plans moving forward, and discuss any areas of improvement. Whenever I need to get in contact, I can reach the director or Chloe directly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re very professional, friendly, welcoming, and go above and beyond in meeting our needs. They’re approachable and know their stuff.  The team is very adaptable, efficient, and easy to contact.  

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, at the minute there’s nothing they could improve. Though if there was an issue, I know I’d be able to tell them because of how approachable they are. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They’re hardworking, so be a hard worker and be adaptable to change. 

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a home inventory asset company.

What challenge were you trying to address with Paragon Sales Solutions?

As a small business, we were trying to find a way to increase sales without having to train new people.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They provide telecommunications sales services. They did a needs assessment with me and did a lot of research into what my target company likes. The team was transparent with what they need from me to provide the best service.

What is the team composition?

I work with two people from their team. Both are very responsive and receptive.  

How did you come to work with Paragon Sales Solutions?

I found them on Fiverr. Their website really interested me and I liked that they were able to provide me with a consistent point of contact.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around £1,100 (approximately $1,500 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in November 2020, and our work is ongoing.

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

I’ve been able to secure one new client per week. Each client has a value of about £5,000.

How did Paragon Sales Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

At the end of each week, I get a summary of all the calls they’ve made and all of the potentially successful leads. I call their office to keep in touch and they always get back to me.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re really great for small businesses and their pricing is transparent. All of the results are scalable and they’ve enabled me to implement a solid sales process at my company.  

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, if I ever have any issues, they tend to address them head-on.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

My advice is to write down as much information about their service and the customer as they can. The more information that they have, the better Paragon can work for them.

Please describe your company and your position there.

we at AJ Bryan Construction are a SME company who wanted to grow as well as become a more professional company

For what projects/services did your company hire Paragon Sales Solutions?

We needed a call handling service to provide the customer with a great start to there journey using our services

What were your goals for this project?

To create a smooth and professional journey for the client from the moment they pick up the phone

How did you select Paragon Sales Solutions?

We were told about paragon by another business colleague

Describe the project in detail.

The clients call in, Paragon asses and filter the clients for us, then book them in for a consultation

What was the team composition?

The team seems to be settled and any new staff seem to be well trained

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

We have had some great feedback from our clients saying how good the team is, which is the Paragon team

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Its been very good, we set a system up and worked through it quickly and got to a point where we are very happy with the service provided

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The professional attitude and willingness to help in any way

Are there any areas for improvement?

Yes but that is also down to us to give them the information

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner and creative director of a Graphic Design business.

For what projects/services did your company hire Paragon Sales Solutions?

Looking for mentoring and marketing advice into making my business bigger and better.

What were your goals for this project?

Goals are ongoing but to increase sales, sales knowledge and productivity

How did you select Paragon Sales Solutions?

I was impressed with the directors knowledge in his field.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

They offer so many amazing services for all businesses, large or small. Rob and his team really know their stuff when it comes to sales and marketing. They’re a great asset to all aspects of business

What was the team composition?

I work solely with the Director.

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

My working with this firm is relatively new, therefore I cannot give examples of progress. However he has given me the confidence to follow up on potential customers where I wouldn’t have done so before

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective. Rob is very quick at replying to emails and queries. Next meeting booked in for future and goals set for next meeting

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They have an impressive wealth of knowledge in a lot of business areas.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nothing I can see as of yet. I haven’t come across any issues

Please describe your company and your position there.

Video production. Owner.

For what projects/services did your company hire Paragon Sales Solutions?

Sales.

What were your goals for this project?

Contact clients within targeted industries to sell video production services.

How did you select Paragon Sales Solutions?

Networking event

Describe the video(s) and the process in detail.

We met at a networking event and were very impressed. We had a meeting and Paragon proposed a strategy to implement. This included generating a sales list, contacting companies and building a relationship.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

They used an online CRM

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

We won work in the targeted industry

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Good communication, very helpful

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Willingness to help, always available, supportive

Are there any areas for improvement?

No